Malpractice litigation in diagnostic radiology with special focus on cases in the abdomen and pelvis: A comprehensive analysis from a national legal database

Diagnostic error was the most prevalent source of error leading to malpractice litigation. Breast imaging was the most frequently implicated imaging modality in litigations, followed closely by CT and XR. A majority of cases were resolved through out-of-court settlement or with judgments in favor of the defendant radiologists. However, in cases with trial judgments in favor of the plaintiff, average financial awards were higher than out-of-court settlements. Abdomen and pelvic involvement accounted for frequent sources of error.