Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Christy Johnson, 47, went to a hospital ER, complaining of pain and numbness in her left arm. An ER physician ordered an ultrasound of the arm, and these images were transmitted to teleradiology company Direct Radiology for review. Radiologist Daniel Baker allegedly reviewed the images for less than two minutes and sent a final report indicating that the study was normal. The ER physician then discharged Johnson.

Six days later, Johnson returned to the ER and reported worsening pain. She was diagnosed as having a blood clot in her left arm and subsequently underwent an amputation below the elbow.

Johnson sued Direct Radiology LLC and Baker, alleging that Baker negligently failed to diagnose a developing blood clot evident on the ultrasound images. The six-day delay in her diagnosis and treatment led to the need for an amputation, the plaintiff asserted. The defense argued that Baker was an independent contractor.

The parties settled for $2 million.

Citation: Johnson v. Direct Radiology LLC, No. 21CVS454 (N.C. Super. Ct. Wilkes Cnty. Sept. 9, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member John Chilson, John K. Moser, and AAJ member Zachary Harris, all of Winston-Salem, N.C.