Failure to Act on X-Ray Results

Has Your Doctor Failed To Act On Your X-Ray Results?

Finding out that an x-ray showed something that was missed or not acted upon can be difficult to come to terms with. You may be left wondering why your condition was not identified sooner, whether you should have received treatment earlier, or whether things could have been different if the problem had been picked up at the time.

You trusted your healthcare team to properly assess your symptoms, review your x-ray and act if something was wrong. When important findings are overlooked or not followed up this can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment and, in some cases, unnecessary pain or a worsening condition.

If your GP, hospital or healthcare provider failed to act on your x-ray results and this caused you avoidable harm, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.

At Macks Solicitors, we understand how upsetting it can be to discover that something may have been missed when you were seeking help. Our specialist medical negligence solicitors can listen to what happened, explain your legal options and support you throughout the claims process.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Does It Mean To Fail To Act On X-Ray Results?

An x-ray can help healthcare professionals identify injuries, fractures and other abnormalities. Once an x-ray has been carried out, the results should be appropriately reviewed and any necessary action taken. A failure to act on x-ray results may include:

• Failing to review an x-ray properly.
• Missing a fracture or other abnormality.
• Misinterpreting the findings.
• Failing to communicate important results to the patient.
• Failing to arrange further investigations.
• Not referring the patient to an appropriate specialist.
• Delaying necessary treatment or follow-up.

Not every mistake will amount to medical negligence. For a claim to succeed, it will generally be necessary to establish that the standard of care was inadequate and that this caused you harm.

When Can Failing To Act On X-Ray Results Be Medical Negligence?

A failure to act on x-ray results may amount to medical negligence where a healthcare professional should reasonably have identified a problem and taken further action but failed to do so.

For example, an x-ray may show a fracture that is not identified, meaning you are sent home without appropriate treatment. If the fracture later causes further complications or requires more extensive treatment, there may be grounds for a claim.

Our medical negligence solicitors can review your medical records and obtain independent medical evidence to establish whether the care you received fell below the appropriate standard.

What Injuries can Be Missed If X-Ray Results Are Not Acted Upon?

X-rays are commonly used to investigate injuries and other medical problems. If an abnormality is missed or not followed up, it can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Examples may include:

• Broken or fractured bones.
• Dislocations.
• Spinal injuries.
• Joint injuries.
• Chest conditions.
• Lung abnormalities.
• Other abnormalities visible on an X-ray.

The consequences will depend on the injury or condition involved and how long treatment was delayed. If you believe your X-ray results were missed or not acted upon, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can help you understand your options. Call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Happens If My X-Ray Showed a Fracture But Nobody Told Me?

If an x-ray shows a fracture, you would generally expect the finding to be identified and appropriate treatment or follow-up to be arranged.

If a fracture is missed, you may be sent home believing that you have suffered a minor injury when you require further treatment. This can lead to ongoing pain, reduced mobility, complications or problems with healing.

If you later discover that your original X-ray showed a fracture that was not identified, our medical negligence solicitors can help you understand whether the circumstances may give rise to a claim.

Can Hospitals Fail To Act On X-Ray Results?

Yes. Hospitals, emergency departments, radiologists, consultants and other healthcare professionals may be involved in reviewing and acting on X-ray results. A failure to act may occur if:

• An X-ray is not properly reviewed.
• A fracture or abnormality is missed.
• Important findings are not communicated.
• Further investigations are not arranged.
• Appropriate treatment is delayed.
• A patient is not referred to a specialist when necessary.

Who was responsible for reviewing your X-ray will depend on where it was carried out and the circumstances of your care.

Can I Claim Compensation If My X-Ray Results Were Ignored?

You may be able to make a medical negligence claim if your X-ray results were missed or not acted upon and this caused you avoidable harm. Depending on your circumstances, compensation may help with:

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of earnings.
• Medical treatment.
• Rehabilitation.
• Travel expenses.
• Care and assistance.
• Future financial losses.

The amount of compensation will depend on the nature and severity of your injury and how it has affected your life.

How Long Do I Have To Make An X-Ray Negligence Claim?

In most cases, you have three years to begin a medical negligence claim.

This will usually run from either the date the negligence occurred or the date you became aware that your injury may have been caused by medical negligence.

There can be exceptions to the usual time limits, including claims involving children and people who lack mental capacity. If you are unsure whether you are within the time limit, our solicitors can advise you.

Why Choose Macks Solicitors?

Discovering that an injury or condition may have been missed can leave you feeling frustrated and let down by the people you trusted to help you.

At Macks Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence solicitors understand how difficult this can be. We will take the time to understand what happened, explain your options clearly and help you decide what to do next.

Contact us

For more information about making a medical negligence claim, you can call us on 01642 843 671; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.