When most people think of doctors, they picture someone in a white coat with a stethoscope. But behind the scenes, there’s a medical specialist who plays a vital—yet less visible—role in diagnosing disease, guiding treatment, and supporting legal cases: the radiologist.
What Is a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions using imaging tools such as:
Radiologists interpret these studies to detect fractures, tumors, organ damage, and more. Some, like myself, also focus on specialized areas such as musculoskeletal imaging and women’s imaging, including breast cancer screening.
How Much Training Do Radiologists Have?
Radiologists undergo some of the most extensive training in medicine:
This decade-plus of education ensures radiologists are highly skilled in both interpreting medical images and communicating findings clearly and accurately.
Why Radiologists Matter in Legal Cases
Radiologists are often called upon as expert witnesses because their opinions are rooted in objective, image-based evidence. They are essential in:
➤ Medical Malpractice
Radiologists can assess whether proper imaging was ordered and interpreted correctly. They can help establish if there was a delay or error in diagnosis that deviated from the accepted standard of care.
➤ Workers’ Compensation
Radiologic images can clarify the severity, timing, and cause of an injury. This can be pivotal in determining eligibility for benefits or assessing disputes.
➤ Motor Vehicle Collisions
Radiologists evaluate trauma like spinal disc injuries, bone fractures, or internal bleeding. Their findings often help confirm or refute personal injury claims.
Why Work with a Radiologist Expert Witness?
Radiologists are trained to be thorough, impartial, and evidence-based. In legal settings, these traits are crucial. Their testimony can clarify what medical images show—and more importantly, what they don’t show.
If you’re an attorney or claims professional handling a case involving imaging, consider partnering with a board-certified radiologist to strengthen your case.
Dr. Vikash Panghaal is a board-certified radiologist with subspecialty training in musculoskeletal radiology. He offers expert witness services in medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and personal injury cases throughout New York and beyond.