Ultrasonography Expert Witnesses
Critical insights on birth injury and medical malpractice matters
Ultrasonography, or ultrasound imaging, is a diagnostic medical technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs, tissues, and structures within the body. The most familiar use of ultrasonography is to monitor fetal development during pregnancy (fetal ultrasound). Still, ultrasonography is also used to diagnose and monitor many other health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer.
During an ultrasonography exam, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the area of interest. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the body and bounce back to the device, producing real-time images on a computer screen. The images can be used to evaluate the size, shape, and function of organs and tissues, as well as detect abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, or inflammation.
In the United States, ultrasound imaging is usually performed by ultrasound technologists, also known as sonographers. Ultrasound technologists or sonographers typically hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. Professional certification in this field is handled by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Ultrasound results may be interpreted by physicians in several medical specialties, including radiologists and obstetricians/gynecologists.
The role of an ultrasound specialist as an expert witness
Ultrasound technologists are often called upon as witnesses in medical malpractice cases that involve misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of medical conditions. An experienced sonographer can explain the proper calibration and maintenance of an ultrasound machine and offer an opinion on whether standards of care were followed during the procedure. If the case in question involves failure to perform an ultrasound in the first place, a qualified expert witness can opine on whether an ultrasound would have revealed abnormalities and potentially improved patient outcomes.
Ultrasound experts can also play a role in personal injury cases involving injuries to the liver, heart, kidneys, or other internal organs, as well as injuries during pregnancy. They can interpret test results, explain the nature and extent of the patient’s injuries, and offer an opinion on causation.
Contact Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants today
Since 1986, we’ve worked with many of America’s finest birth injury and medical malpractice attorneys. Our network includes highly qualified ultrasound specialists and Board-Certified physicians who can provide compelling testimony in depositions and at trial. Contact us today for a free case summary review.