Most people probably associate ultrasound scans with pregnant women who are eager to get a glimpse of their growing baby, but experienced providers know prenatal imaging is just one of the many uses of ultrasound technology. At the end of the day, sonography is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps doctors identify conditions affecting various organs throughout the body, including the heart, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, and testicles.
According to the American Cancer Society, for example, sonograms can help physicians differentiate between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts. Like every other diagnostic procedure, though, ultrasounds are not foolproof, and providers must consider some margin of error when using them to make medical diagnoses.
If you are being sued for an ultrasound error, it is critical to start planning your defense immediately. The medical malpractice defense lawyers at Lubell Rosen know what it takes to find success in complicated injury claims.
A strategic attorney on our team will examine the case against you from all angles to determine the most effective way to fight each and every accusation. Call (954) 880-9500 to schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice defense lawyer in Florida.
Common Reasons for Ultrasound Errors
1. The Initial Diagnosis Is Incorrect
In some cases, sonogram images are perfectly accurate, but their interpretation is wrong because of a prior misdiagnosis. For example, ultrasound technology can usually detect a fetal heartbeat by the seventh week of pregnancy. If a sonographer is unable to find this feature when examining a woman who is at least seven weeks along, it could mean there is an issue, or it could simply mean doctors miscalculated how far along she actually is.
2. The Technician Does Not Have Adequate Training
Despite advancements in ultrasound technology, which have simplified the procedure in recent years, capturing detailed images still requires a certain amount of expertise. Inexperienced or incompetent technicians who fail to obtain quality images of the area in question can prevent physicians from making accurate diagnoses.
3. The Patient Is Obese
Obesity can make it virtually impossible for sonographers to obtain clear images of the soft tissue that needs examining. Fortunately, there are usually alternatives to the traditional ultrasound procedure that can provide comparable results. For example, overweight pregnant women can undergo transvaginal ultrasounds instead once they are 12 to 15 weeks along.
Speak with a Florida Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney Today!
If you are facing a lawsuit over an ultrasound error, turn to the AV-rated medical malpractice defense attorneys at Lubell Rosen. Call (954) 880-9500 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a case evaluation.
