MRI Injuries Civil Lawsuit in California
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a vital diagnostic tool that has revolutionized the field of medicine. Its ability to generate detailed images of internal structures without the use of harmful radiation has made it a vital resource in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions.
Despite their numerous benefits, MRI machines are not without risk. It's crucial to understand that when operated incorrectly or negligently, these complex devices can cause severe injuries. This knowledge empowers you to ask the right questions and ensure your safety during an MRI procedure.
MRI scans, while typically safe, can lead to a few types of injuries, most commonly burns and projectile accidents. Burns can occur when the magnetic field heats metal objects or the patient's skin, especially if tissue loops are present, creating a conductive path through skin-to-skin contact.
Projectile accidents occur when metal objects are flung into the scanner by the magnetic field, potentially causing serious injury or death. Other potential complications include peripheral nerve stimulation, meaning the magnetic field can cause muscle twitches or slight tingling. Some patients may experience adverse reactions to the contrast agent used in certain MRI scans, including nausea, headache, or pain at the injection site.
Suppose you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an MRI procedure. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your ordeal.
At Injury Justice Law Firm, our California personal injury attorneys have plenty of experience with the complexities of MRI injury cases, and we will work to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
Improper Use of an MRI Machine
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging test that utilizes magnetic pulses in conjunction with radio waves to visualize internal organs and other body parts. An MRI is a specialized piece of equipment with unique requirements. The MRI is not the same as a CT scan.
During an MRI, the patient's body is placed in a unit and must remain still for a short period while the imaging is performed. Medical personnel who operate MRI machines must be properly trained in their use.
An MRI is a procedure that captures images of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. This non-invasive technique is used to diagnose diseases, injuries, and other medical issues in patients, such as benign brain tumor growths, muscle tears, and bone fractures.
MRI scanning procedures have become more common as doctors and patients have recognized their benefits. There is always an inherent risk when a patient enters a hospital for an exam or a surgical procedure.
Due to the complexity of MRI and the stringent precautions required to avoid accidents, MRI malpractice cases are rare. This rarity should reassure you about the overall safety of MRI procedures, but it's still important to be aware of potential risks.
Typically, they involve fundamental safety issues that result in these claims. Understanding these risks can help you spot potential red flags if you ever consider getting an MRI.
MRI Malpractice
When a patient receives an incorrect or improper MRI scan or fails to receive a required MRI scan, this is considered MRI malpractice. Doctors commit malpractice when they fail to provide a proper diagnosis or administer proper treatment.
MRI malpractice can also occur if a patient is exposed to an excessive amount of radiation during an MRI procedure, increasing the risk of injury or long-term damage from the MRI.
Suppose a patient is given a lower radiation dose than is required for the MRI procedure. In that case, the risk of the MRI becoming inconclusive or failing to detect a condition or illness increases. If either of these occurs, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the facility where the MRI accident occurred.
It will need to be determined whether the errors had any impact on the patient's treatment outcome. After determining whether professional errors occurred and investigating their impact on the outcome, doctors should consider whether they caused physical or emotional harm to the patient, which will aid in determining whether the doctor committed malpractice.
Possible MRI Errors
- Equipment Improperly Placed. To complete an MRI scan, the patient must be properly positioned on the table and within arm's reach of the machine to hold onto it while they undergo their examination. If they are not in the proper position, they may be scanned incorrectly, which can cause harm.
- Use of Foreign Objects. Wearing jewelry or metal objects during an MRI scan can disrupt the electromagnetic field inside the machine. If this is done during a procedure, serious injury can result from metal fragments being propelled into sensitive areas such as the eye.
- Inadequately Secured Medical Devices. If medical equipment or IVs are not properly secured before entering the MRI room, they can become dislodged, potentially injuring both the patient and those present in the room.
- Failure to Clean Equipment. Although an MRI machine is designed to be sterile during use, bacteria and viruses can accumulate on its surfaces if it is not properly cleaned and maintained. If another patient comes in for a scan, they may be exposed to dangerous microorganisms.
- Inappropriate Safety Precautions. MRI exams typically require close proximity between the patient and the technicians performing the examination. Therefore, proper MRI safety precautions must be followed to ensure that no one is harmed during the procedure. For example, wearing protective clothing, such as lab coats and gloves.
- Interference from Outside Sources. Strong magnetic fields emitted by MRI machines can interfere with electric devices outside the machine's chamber. If a person has a pacemaker implanted, the device sends radio signals through the body, which can interfere with the collection of data.
Types of MRI Injuries
While MRI technology is considered safe when used properly, mishandling or negligence can lead to significant harm. The following are some of the most common types of injuries associated with MRI machines:
- Burns. Burns are generally the most common type of MRI injury. MRI machines produce powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy, both of which can result in burns under certain conditions. Burns most commonly occur when patients are in contact with electrically conductive materials, such as metal jewelry, implants, or even sensors used to monitor vital signs. Improperly calibrated or malfunctioning equipment can also increase the risk of thermal injuries.
- Projectile Injuries. The strong magnetic field of an MRI machine has the potential to turn metallic objects into dangerous projectiles. Even small items, such as pens, keys, or medical equipment, can become high-speed hazards if brought too close to the machine during operation. These projectile forces can cause severe trauma to patients, staff, or anyone within the MRI suite if safety protocols are not rigorously followed.
- Implant Malfunctions. Patients with medical implants, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, or orthopedic screws, face unique risks during an MRI procedure. The intense magnetic fields can interfere with or damage these devices, potentially causing them to malfunction unless they are equipped with a failsafe mechanism. This can result in life-threatening complications or necessitate further medical intervention to address the damage. These injuries tend to occur when medical professionals are negligent in finding out what implants a patient may have and how to accommodate them safely in an MRI procedure.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
MRI injuries are almost always preventable, so when they occur, it is usually because someone acted negligently. Several parties may bear legal responsibility for the accident, depending on the circumstances of your case. These include:
- Physicians and Technicians: MRI operators have a duty of care to patients, ensuring that proper protocols are followed, equipment functions properly, and any risks related to the patient's medical history are communicated. Bypassing safety measures, failing to calibrate the machine, or ignoring patient-specific risks can result in liability for any injuries that may occur.
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals, imaging centers, and other MRI facilities must maintain a safe environment and properly train staff. This includes regular equipment inspections, qualified technicians, and strict safety protocols. Failure to meet these obligations can make management liable for any injuries.
- Equipment Manufacturers: Though less common, liability may extend to the manufacturers of the MRI machine or its associated components if a defect or design flaw causes the injury.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
If you've suffered an MRI-related injury, pursuing a legal claim can help secure the compensation you need to address the resulting financial and emotional burdens. Depending on the details of your case, the types of damages you may be eligible to recover include:
- Medical Expenses: MRI-related injuries often require additional (and extensive) medical treatment, ranging from emergency care to ongoing therapy and follow-up procedures. Compensation for medical expenses can cover hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any assistive devices you may require.
- Lost Wages: Severe injuries can make it difficult or impossible to return to work, leading to lost income and financial stress. A successful claim can help you recover wages lost during your recovery period. If your injury has caused long-term or permanent disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional trauma caused by an MRI-related injury can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. Courts may award damages for pain and suffering as recognition of the profound challenges you have endured as a result of your injury.
- Additional Damages: Depending on the specifics of your case, you might also be eligible for compensation for disfigurement, loss of consortium, or other damages related to the harm you've experienced.
For more information, contact our personal injury lawyers at the Injury Justice Law Firm, located in Los Angeles, California.
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