Diagnostic imaging tests are helpful in identifying medical conditions in a noninvasive way, like tumors, cysts, and broken bones. Many types of imaging tests, including CT scans and x-rays, rely on a substance called contrast dye for medical professionals to examine the scanned area.
Although many patients undergo a diagnostic scan without complications, others can experience severe allergic reactions to contrast dye. If you are allergic to contrast dye and are injured during a diagnostic imaging test, you may be eligible for legal action against the at-fault medical professional.
What Is Contrast Dye?
Contrast dye is a special substance that helps radiologists and other medical professionals see the inside of the body more clearly. During diagnostic imaging like CT scans, contrast dye helps distinguish different parts of the body from surrounding tissue, making it easier to identify anomalies and make a correct diagnostic.
Iodine, barium sulfate, and gadolinium are the most common ingredients in contrast dye. However, many patients have a higher risk of an allergic reaction to this substance than others.
Patients who risk an adverse reaction to contrast dye include the following.
- Patients with a history of asthma
- Patients with shellfish allergy
- People with cystic fibrosis
- Patients who are dehydrated or constipated
- Patients with a history of heart disease
- Sickle cell and renal disease patients
- Patients who habitually use beta blockers
- Patients who habitually use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A contrast dye allergic reaction can result in severe complications. You can experience anaphylactic shock, cardiac arrest, kidney failure, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath.
Medical Malpractice and Contrast Dye Reactions
Medical professionals have a duty to monitor a patient’s record and identify whether or not he or she is at risk of a contrast dye allergy. If a patient’s record clearly indicates an allergy, or if the patient has a risk factor that makes him or her susceptible to an adverse reaction, the medical staff must take appropriate actions. However, not all healthcare providers uphold this duty of care.
A medical provider who fails to properly assess a patient’s history and orders a procedure using contrast dye may be liable for the damages that the patient suffers due to his or her allergic reaction. If you experienced this type of harm, you could file a lawsuit against the at-fault medical professional.
A Missouri medical malpractice lawsuit allows you to recover compensation for the past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the allergic reaction. However, you will need to prove that the doctor knew or should have known that you were at risk of an adverse event and subjected you to contrast dye anyway, resulting in your injuries.
Speak to a Missouri Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you want to file a lawsuit after a contrast dye allergic reaction, you need an attorney on your side. A Missouri medical malpractice lawyer can provide several key benefits to support your claim, including the following.
- Your lawyer can supply valuable resources to support your claim, such as expert medical witnesses.
- Your attorney can guide you through the litigation process and help you prepare for each stage of your case.
- Your lawyer can conduct a full investigation into your case and gather the evidence you need to prove your right to compensation.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured Due to Medical Malpractice in Kansas City, Missouri?
If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical practice you should speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.
