CT Scans: Are You at Risk for Radiation Overdose?

CT scans and your risk of radiation poisoning.

In the world of medical care, many things can go wrong. Medical staff must always stay aware and be proactive in any given situation in order to promote patient safety. One common safety issue is a lack of maintenance when it comes to hospital equipment. If a medical device malfunctions, it can cause direct harm to the patient or it could indirectly affect him or her by failing to detect a health problem. Just as with any defective product, this kind of problem can fall under product liability, but because it can have a negative effect on a patient’s health, it may also sometimes be considered medical malpractice.
Patients of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA have found themselves involved in just such a situation. A lawsuit, filed in Superior Court, lists 206 patients who were exposed to a radiation overdose during CT scans at the hospital. The problems with the faulty CT scan, manufactured by General Electric Healthcare, had gone undetected for 1.5 years. Many of the patients tested with the GE CT scan during that time frame lost patches of hair soon after exposure, and one patient also lists red flaky skin on the scalp and face as side effects. The hospital has stated that a misunderstanding over a default setting was the cause of the overdose. GE maintains that the machine was not defective.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured by faulty (or unmaintained) medical equipment, you should speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area. We deal with both medical malpractice and product liability cases every day, and we can offer you a free consultation to look into your legal options.