Medico-Legal Responsibilities in Radiological Practice: A Perspective on Reducing Risk

Radiological interpretation is essential to patient care, yet it is inherently susceptible to error and miscommunication.Approximately 4% of all radiology reports contain errors, a statistic that underscores both the complexity of image interpretation and the medico-legal implications inherent in the practice of radiology.[1] This article offers a reflective analysis on radiologists' medico-legal challenges and practical strategies to reduce litigation risk and improve patient safety. Common Causes of Malpractice in RadiologyMalpractice claims in radiology stem primarily from diagnostic errors, procedural complications, and communication failures.[2] Among these, diagnostic error remains the leading cause, particularly in breast imaging, where missed or misinterpreted findings frequently result in delayed cancer diagnoses.Vascular injuries during interventional procedures also pose substantial medico-legal risks.