{"id":15795,"date":"2025-10-31T19:30:53","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T19:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/?page_id=15795"},"modified":"2025-10-31T19:49:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T19:49:06","slug":"unnecessary-imaging-procedure-medical-malpractice-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/practice-areas\/medical-malpractice\/unnecessary-imaging-procedure-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"Unnecessary imaging procedure medical malpractice in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Medical imaging technology has transformed modern healthcare, giving doctors powerful tools to diagnose illness and injury. However, when imaging procedures are performed without a clear medical need, patients can be exposed to unnecessary risks, anxiety, costs, and sometimes even harm. If you or a loved one has suffered injury or complications because of an unnecessary imaging procedure in Chicago, it\u2019s important to know your rights under Illinois law and what options are available for seeking justice and compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#understanding-unnecessary-imaging-procedures-and-their-risks\">Understanding Unnecessary Imaging Procedures and Their Risks<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-illinois-law-addresses-medical-malpractice-in-imaging-procedures\">How Illinois Law Addresses Medical Malpractice in Imaging Procedures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#common-harms-caused-by-unnecessary-imaging-procedures\">Common Harms Caused by Unnecessary Imaging Procedures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-process-of-proving-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\">The Process of Proving Medical Malpractice in Chicago<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-compensation-can-you-recover-in-an-unnecessary-imaging-malpractice-lawsuit\">What Compensation Can You Recover in an Unnecessary Imaging Malpractice Lawsuit?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fa-qs-about-unnecessary-imaging-procedure-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\">FAQs About Unnecessary Imaging Procedure Medical Malpractice in Chicago<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#other-radiology-and-imaging-malpractice-resources\">Other Radiology and Imaging Malpractice Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-unnecessary-imaging-procedures-and-their-risks\">Understanding Unnecessary Imaging Procedures and Their Risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical imaging includes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, all of which are designed to help healthcare professionals diagnose and treat medical conditions. In most cases, these procedures are invaluable. But when they are performed without medical necessity\u2014whether due to error, miscommunication, financial incentives, or negligence\u2014the consequences can be far-reaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do unnecessary imaging procedures happen? Sometimes, doctors order imaging \u201cjust to be safe,\u201d even when clinical guidelines don\u2019t support it. In other situations, hospital policies or defensive medicine practices can lead to excessive testing. There are also rare cases where profit motives influence decisions. For patients, the risks from these unnecessary procedures are real and include exposure to radiation, allergic reactions to contrast agents, and the stress and anxiety of additional findings that may be harmless but lead to more invasive testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you believe an imaging test was performed without clear medical justification and resulted in harm, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in Chicago, Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-illinois-law-addresses-medical-malpractice-in-imaging-procedures\">How Illinois Law Addresses Medical Malpractice in Imaging Procedures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois law provides a path for patients to seek compensation when they\u2019ve been harmed by unnecessary or negligent medical care, including imaging procedures. But proving medical malpractice in these cases requires more than just showing that a test was unnecessary. You must demonstrate that the healthcare provider acted outside the standard of care\u2014in other words, that a competent professional in the same situation would not have ordered the procedure\u2014and that this deviation caused your injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under 735 ILCS 5\/2-622, Illinois law requires that, before you can pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must attach an affidavit to your complaint. This affidavit must state that a qualified health professional has reviewed your case and believes that reasonable cause exists to file the action. The health professional should have experience in the same area of medicine as the defendant, ensuring they are well-positioned to judge the appropriateness of the imaging procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, there are strict time limits\u2014known as statutes of limitations\u2014that apply to medical malpractice claims in Illinois. Typically, you have two years from when you knew or should have known of the injury, but no more than four years from the date of the alleged malpractice. Special rules apply for minors and those with legal disabilities. These legal requirements make it crucial to consult a qualified&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/areas-de-practica\/negligencia-medica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chicago abogado negligencia m\u00e9dica<\/a>&nbsp;as soon as you suspect malpractice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common-harms-caused-by-unnecessary-imaging-procedures\">Common Harms Caused by Unnecessary Imaging Procedures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might wonder, \u201cWhat harm could come from a test that was just extra?\u201d The answer is, sometimes quite a lot. Here are some ways unnecessary imaging can harm patients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Radiation Exposure:<\/strong>\u00a0Repeated or high-dose imaging, such as CT scans, exposes patients to significant radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>False Positives and Incidental Findings:<\/strong>\u00a0Imaging may reveal benign abnormalities that have no clinical impact, but once discovered, they can lead to more invasive procedures, biopsies, or surgeries\u2014each with its own risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allergic Reactions and Kidney Damage:<\/strong>\u00a0Some imaging studies require contrast agents that can cause allergic reactions or damage to the kidneys, particularly in vulnerable patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Financial and Emotional Stress:<\/strong>\u00a0Beyond physical effects, these procedures can lead to unnecessary medical bills and anxiety about potential (often non-existent) health problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve experienced any of these harms as a result of an unnecessary procedure, reach out to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/orlandpark\/abogados-especializados-en-negligencias-medicas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogado de negligencias m\u00e9dicas<\/a>&nbsp;who can review your situation and help determine the best path forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-process-of-proving-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\">The Process of Proving Medical Malpractice in Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building a strong medical malpractice case for unnecessary imaging in Chicago involves several key steps. First, your legal team will obtain your medical records and consult with a qualified health professional to determine whether the imaging procedure was justified by your symptoms, history, and current medical guidelines. If it\u2019s determined the procedure fell short of accepted standards, your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/ruedas\/abogado-de-negligencia-medica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogado de negligencia m\u00e9dica<\/a>&nbsp;will file a lawsuit on your behalf, including the required affidavit and medical report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the legal process, your attorney will establish several critical elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Duty of Care:<\/strong>\u00a0The provider owed you a duty to follow accepted medical standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breach of Duty:<\/strong>\u00a0The provider failed to meet those standards by ordering an unnecessary test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Causalidad:<\/strong>\u00a0The breach directly caused your injury or harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Da\u00f1os y perjuicios:<\/strong>\u00a0You suffered actual losses, such as additional medical bills, emotional distress, or physical injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These cases often rely heavily on expert testimony from experienced health professionals, who can explain why the imaging was unnecessary and illustrate the link between the error and your harm. The right&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/belleville-car-accident-lawyer\/medical-malpractice-lawyer-in-belleville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogados especializados en negligencias m\u00e9dicas<\/a>&nbsp;will have access to respected medical experts and know how to present a compelling case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-compensation-can-you-recover-in-an-unnecessary-imaging-malpractice-lawsuit\">What Compensation Can You Recover in an Unnecessary Imaging Malpractice Lawsuit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are successful in your claim, Illinois law allows you to recover damages for a broad range of losses. This can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gastos m\u00e9dicos:<\/strong>\u00a0Costs for treating injuries or complications caused by the unnecessary imaging or follow-up procedures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salarios perdidos:<\/strong>\u00a0If you missed work due to injury or additional treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dolor y sufrimiento:<\/strong>\u00a0Compensation for the emotional distress, anxiety, and physical pain you endured.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Future medical care:<\/strong>\u00a0If your injury results in long-term health consequences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Every case is unique, and the compensation you may be entitled to depends on the specifics of your injury and losses. An experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/arboleda-de-bufalo\/medical-malpractice-lawyer-in-buffalo-grove\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogado de negligencias m\u00e9dicas<\/a>&nbsp;can help you understand the value of your claim and what to expect throughout the legal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a trusted&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chicago abogado de lesiones personales<\/a>&nbsp;to guide you through an unnecessary imaging procedure malpractice claim, Briskman Briskman &amp; Greenberg stands ready to help. Our team combines deep knowledge of Illinois law with a personal commitment to every client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fa-qs-about-unnecessary-imaging-procedure-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\">FAQs About Unnecessary Imaging Procedure Medical Malpractice in Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What should I do if I think I had an unnecessary imaging procedure?<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by obtaining copies of your medical records and documenting any problems you\u2019ve experienced since the procedure. Then, contact a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/champaign-abogados-de-lesiones-personales\/medical-malpractice-lawyer-in-champaign-il\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogado de negligencias m\u00e9dicas<\/a> to review your case. They can help you determine if your situation meets the criteria for a medical malpractice claim under Illinois law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are all unnecessary imaging procedures considered malpractice?<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not every unnecessary test qualifies as malpractice. For a successful claim, you must show that the provider\u2019s decision deviated from accepted medical standards and that you suffered harm as a result. A qualified attorney can help evaluate whether your case meets these criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I sue for emotional distress caused by an unnecessary imaging test?<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, if you suffered significant anxiety, stress, or other emotional harm because of the unnecessary procedure or its consequences, you may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress as part of your damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long do I have to file a lawsuit for unnecessary imaging malpractice in Illinois?<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, you have two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury, but no more than four years from the date of the incident. There are exceptions for minors and those legally disabled. Promptly consulting a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/lugares\/ruedas\/abogado-de-negligencia-medica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abogado de negligencia m\u00e9dica<\/a>\u00a0is the best way to protect your rights and ensure your claim is filed in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-radiology-and-imaging-malpractice-resources\">Other Radiology and Imaging Malpractice Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unnecessary imaging procedure medical malpractice in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/areas-de-practica\/negligencia-medica\/delayed-radiology-reporting-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\/\">Delayed radiology reporting medical malpractice in Chicago<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/areas-de-practica\/negligencia-medica\/failure-to-identify-tumors-or-fractures-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\/\">Failure to identify tumors or fractures medical malpractice in Chicago<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/areas-de-practica\/negligencia-medica\/radiology-misinterpretation-medical-malpractice-in-chicago\/\">Radiology misinterpretation medical malpractice in Chicago<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Medical imaging technology has transformed modern healthcare, giving doctors powerful tools to diagnose illness and injury. However, when imaging procedures are performed without a clear medical need, patients can be exposed to unnecessary risks, anxiety, costs, and sometimes even harm. If you or a loved one has suffered injury or complications because of an unnecessary&hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":62,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15795","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15795"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15814,"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15795\/revisions\/15814"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.briskmanandbriskman.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}