Radiation Errors And Hidden Dangers
This past week, NPR aired an eye-opening discussion with Walt Bogdanich about his ongoing investigation into medical and regulatory issues surrounding radiation therapies as their use becomes increasingly common by physicians and dentists.
His investigation into radiation injuries started two years ago when he was tipped off that babies at a major New York hospital were receiving much higher doses than necessary for routine procedures. Despite a state investigation, problems persist.
As Bogdanich notes, the fact that no proper oversight existed at the hospital led him to believe that radiation errors were “perhaps a systemic problem…if this was happening at this New York hospital, then it probably was happening elsewhere.”
Despite the benefits of radiation therapy that may save countless lives, people need to ask more questing and doctors need to provide patients the information they need. Further, patterns of over-radiation have been reported across the country.
Inappropriate exposure to radiation can cause devastating injuries. Health care providers are trained how to give appropriate doses of radiation. Failure to comply with the standard of care for providing radiation may constitute medical malpractice and physician and hospitals may be liable for damages caused. Two main types of radiation injuries include:
• Contamination – where a patient is improperly exposed to radiation treatment; and
• Incorporation – where cells, tissues, and organs absorb the radiation.
Both can cause painful and life-threatening problems. Some of the main culprits behind radiation injuries are lack of proper training of machine operators and lack of oversight.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice involving radiation injuries, contact the experienced Hawaii medical malpractice attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for a confidential consultation.
