Radiology and Imaging Error Claims*

When you go for a scan or an X-ray, you trust that the results will guide the right treatment. But if something is missed or misread, it can lead to serious consequences, especially when a diagnosis is delayed. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand how frightening and frustrating it is to learn that a radiology mistake has caused your health to suffer.

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We regularly support individuals and families across Clare and the west of Ireland who have been left in the dark after missed fractures, delayed cancer diagnoses, or complications from imaging procedures. These are not small mistakes. They can turn recoverable problems into long-term conditions or, worse, cost someone their life. When this happens, people are often left without answers and unsure where to turn next.

Radiology claims in Ireland are more common than most people realise. A recent national review found that the vast majority involved missed diagnoses, with fractures and cancers making up the bulk of these cases. Many of these errors were avoidable. Sometimes it is a failure to properly review an image. Other times, it is a breakdown in communication or a rushed report. Whatever the cause, the outcome can be devastating.

If you have been affected by a radiology error, you are not overreacting by asking questions. You have every right to know what happened and to seek justice if your care fell short. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we listen closely, explain your options in plain English, and help you move forward with dignity.

We believe in fairness, honesty, and taking real action for those let down by the system. You deserve to be heard.

If you are worried about a misread scan or delayed diagnosis, reach out today for confidential advice from a team that understands and genuinely cares.

Understanding Radiology and Imaging Errors

Radiology plays a vital role in helping doctors understand what is going on inside the body. From simple X-rays to more advanced scans like MRIs and CTs, this type of imaging allows serious conditions to be caught early and treated properly. But when something is missed, misread, or not acted upon, the results can be life-altering. A radiology error is a breakdown in the safety net that patients rely on when they are most vulnerable.

Radiology and imaging errors typically involve one of three things: a diagnosis that is completely missed, a diagnosis that is delayed, or a diagnosis that turns out to be wrong. These are known as diagnostic errors, and they are among the most serious kinds of medical mistakes. A missed diagnosis could mean a cancer goes untreated. A delay could allow a condition to worsen. A wrong diagnosis could result in the wrong treatment entirely.

The State Claims Agency reviewed five years of radiology-related claims in Irish healthcare and found that diagnostic errors were by far the most common issue. In fact, they accounted for 71 percent of all claims reviewed in 2023. Missed diagnoses made up 93 percent of those cases. The most commonly missed conditions were fractures and cancers, especially on chest X-rays. One real example included a case where lung cancer was visible on an initial scan but not identified until months later, after the disease had progressed.

So how do these mistakes happen? There are several factors:

Images might be poorly interpreted due to fatigue or workload.
The report might be written correctly but never passed on to the treating doctor.
Multiple injuries may be present, but only one is identified.
Subtle changes on scans may be dismissed or not followed up.
Important details may be missed if the patient’s full history is not considered.

These are not always simple errors. They often stem from communication breakdowns, rushed systems, or lack of proper checks in place.

It is also worth noting that not all radiology errors involve diagnosis. The review found that other claims included injuries during interventional radiology procedures, slips and trips in imaging departments, and poor communication with patients about the risks or steps involved in their scans.

For patients and families, the outcome is often the same: confusion, delayed care, avoidable pain, and a sense that their concerns were never truly heard. That is why these cases matter. It is not about blaming staff for being human. It is about ensuring safety systems work the way they are meant to.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by a radiology mistake, you deserve clear information and supportive legal guidance. We can help you find out what went wrong and what your rights are.

Common Radiology Error Claims in Ireland

Radiology is a critical part of diagnosis and treatment, but when mistakes happen, they often lead to serious consequences. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we regularly assist clients across Clare and beyond who have suffered due to imaging errors that were avoidable. The most common claims we see reflect national patterns identified by the State Claims Agency.

Missed Fractures

Fracture-related claims are particularly common in emergency departments. A person may present with clear symptoms after a fall or accident, yet walk away with only one fracture identified when several were present. Others are sent home with their injury dismissed as a soft tissue problem, only to later learn they had a hairline or displaced fracture that was missed on the original X-ray.

Missed fractures can occur because:

Only one view of the injury is taken
The image is misinterpreted due to swelling or artefact
A radiologist or junior doctor overlooks a second fracture
Follow-up imaging is not ordered when symptoms persist

These cases can lead to long-term mobility issues, unnecessary pain, and the need for corrective surgery.

Delayed or Missed Cancer Diagnoses

One of the most devastating outcomes of a radiology error is the delayed diagnosis of cancer. In the State Claims Agency’s national review, 21 percent of missed diagnosis claims involved cancer, particularly lung cancers missed on chest X-rays.

These claims often arise when:

Abnormalities are present on a scan but not recognised
The wrong area is scanned
A report is generated but not forwarded to the referring GP
A decision is made not to escalate for CT or biopsy despite visible concern

Delays in cancer diagnosis can result in more aggressive treatment, poorer outcomes, and in some cases, the loss of a loved one.

Misreporting and Communication Failures

Not all claims involve misreading an image. Sometimes, the scan is interpreted correctly, but the findings are not shared. For example:

The hospital does not alert the GP or consultant
The patient is not told they need further tests
A report is sent but not followed up
There is no system in place to confirm who received and acted on the result

These situations are entirely avoidable but remain common.

Interventional Radiology Complications

Claims also arise from errors during image-guided procedures, such as biopsies or injections. Some of these relate to technical issues, but others involve a failure to explain the risks properly beforehand. Where complications occur and no informed consent was obtained, a claim may be justified.

Substandard or Incomplete Imaging

Another basis for claims is poor image quality that is never corrected. This may involve:

Inadequate images being accepted as diagnostic
No repeat imaging despite clinical doubt
Failure to escalate when symptoms persist

These cases often stem from workflow pressures or systemic flaws in how images are reviewed.

If you have experienced any of the above, legal advice can help establish whether a mistake occurred and what steps can be taken. We can investigate and guide you through the process with clarity and respect.

Do I Have a Radiology Negligence Claim?

You may have had a scan that was meant to give answers but left you with more questions. Perhaps your symptoms continued long after being told everything looked normal. Maybe you only found out later that something important was missed. If you suspect a mistake was made with your X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound, the next step is to understand if a legal claim is possible.

Not every poor outcome means negligence occurred. In Irish law, to bring a successful claim for radiology negligence, we must show four key elements:

Duty of care: A healthcare professional or hospital had a legal responsibility to care for you properly. This duty exists as soon as you attend for treatment.
Breach of duty: The care fell below the standard expected of a competent professional in similar circumstances. This might include misinterpreting a scan, failing to report a visible abnormality, or not following up with appropriate action.
Causation: The breach must be linked directly to the harm you suffered. In other words, had the error not happened, you would have avoided injury or illness progression.
Damage: You must have suffered a real, identifiable loss, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

In radiology claims, the breach often centres on diagnostic error. But what separates a regrettable oversight from a legal breach can be subtle. That is why medical expert opinion is required in every case. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we work with independent consultants who review your records and scans to determine whether the standard of care was breached.

You do not need to know the details yourself. If you were discharged without answers and later told your condition had worsened, or if you found out months later that a previous scan already showed warning signs, that may be enough reason to start asking questions.

We will help you:

Request and review your medical records
Examine scan reports and communication logs
Engage with expert reviewers if needed
Build a full timeline of what happened and where the system failed you

Every claim starts with a story, your story. We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and give you honest feedback. If we believe you have grounds for a claim, we will pursue it with focus and fairness. And if the evidence is not strong enough, we will explain why and support you with next steps, whether legal or otherwise.

You deserve answers. You deserve to be treated with dignity. And if your care fell short, you deserve a chance to put things right.

Compensation in Radiology Negligence Cases

If a radiology error has caused you harm, compensation can play an important role in helping you move forward. While no amount of money can undo what was missed or delayed, it can ease financial pressures, give access to better care, and acknowledge the disruption you have experienced.

Compensation is usually divided into two broad categories: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

These cover the physical and emotional suffering caused by the negligent care. Examples include:

Ongoing pain from a missed fracture that was not treated promptly
Emotional trauma caused by delayed diagnosis of a serious condition
Loss of confidence in medical care or fear around future treatments
Disruption to family life, hobbies, or relationships due to extended recovery or worsening symptoms

The amount you may receive depends on the severity of the injury, how long you are likely to suffer, and how the mistake has affected your quality of life. Awards are guided by the Personal Injuries Guidelines but always assessed individually.

Special Damages

These refer to your financial losses or extra costs brought about by the error. These can include:

Medical costs such as private consultations, physiotherapy, or counselling
Lost income if you were unable to work or had to reduce hours
Future loss of earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected
Travel and accommodation costs related to treatment
Aids, equipment, or home modifications needed for daily living
Paid care or support if you became dependent on others

For more serious cases, such as a delayed cancer diagnosis or permanent disability, the compensation awarded may need to account for years or even decades of future care needs. Expert reports are often required to assess what that will involve.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we approach every claim with honesty and care. We will never overstate a claim’s value, but we will make sure that every part of your loss is fully recognised and explained. You deserve fair treatment, both medically and legally.

If you are unsure what your claim might involve, we are here to guide you through it step by step, always in plain English and always with your best interests in mind.

Time Limits and Legal Process for Making a Claim

When considering a radiology negligence claim, it is vital to be aware that there are strict time limits in place. In Ireland, most medical negligence claims must be brought within two years from the date you first became aware that something went wrong. This is known as the date of knowledge.

It is not always the date the scan or diagnosis occurred. For example, you might only discover the issue months later, when a second opinion reveals that a problem was missed on a previous X-ray or MRI. From that point, the two-year clock begins.

There are some important exceptions:

For children, the two-year time limit only begins on their 18th birthday
For adults who lack mental capacity, the time limit may be paused depending on the medical circumstances

If you think too much time has passed, do not rule it out without speaking to a solicitor. We can quickly assess whether the time limit still applies and whether a claim may still be possible.

Once we confirm that a claim can proceed, the process usually involves:

Gathering your medical records and reports
Consulting with independent medical experts to review the imaging and standard of care
Sending a formal letter of claim to the hospital, clinic, or other responsible parties
Attempting resolution through negotiation or mediation
If necessary, preparing for court proceedings

Many cases settle before reaching court, especially when the evidence is clear and well presented. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed, explain your rights in plain terms, and guide you through every stage at a pace that feels right for you.

Acting early gives you the strongest chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim if I had the scan done privately?

Yes. Whether your imaging was carried out in a public hospital or a private clinic, you are still entitled to safe and competent care. The same legal principles apply. If a mistake was made and it caused harm, you may have grounds for a claim.

Will the radiologist be personally sued?

Not usually. In most cases, the claim is brought against the hospital, clinic, or their insurance provider. The individual radiologist may be named in the investigation, but it is the institution responsible for their work that usually bears liability.

How long does a radiology negligence case take?

Timelines vary depending on how complex the case is and whether the other side accepts responsibility. Some cases can settle within 12 to 18 months. Others may take longer, especially if expert opinions are needed or if court proceedings are required. We will keep you informed throughout and work to avoid unnecessary delays.

Will I have to go to court?

Many claims are resolved without the need for a court hearing. Where liability is clear and supported by expert evidence, a settlement can often be reached through negotiation or mediation. If court becomes necessary, we will prepare you fully and support you at every step.

Can I claim on behalf of a family member who has passed away?

Yes. If a loved one died due to a missed or delayed diagnosis, a legal claim may still be brought by their next of kin. This can include a spouse, child, or other close relative. We will handle such cases with care, discretion, and full sensitivity to your situation.

Speak to a Solicitor Who Will Listen

If you believe a radiology error has affected your health or delayed your diagnosis, it is worth having a conversation. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we offer clear, honest advice in complete confidence. There is no pressure to take action, just a chance to understand your rights and explore your options with someone who will treat your concerns with care.

We are based in Shannon and proudly support individuals and families across Clare and the west of Ireland. If you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen.

Contact us today to take the first step toward clarity and resolution.