Medicolegal Primer: Navigating a Lawsuit and Responding to Adverse Outcomes
Content Reviewed: June 19, 2025
2 CME
38 Videos
2 hr. 6 min.
Course Description
Over the course of your career in radiology, there’s a likelihood you may be named in a suit. This is driven by the accessibility of imaging data, limited direct patient interaction, and improved technology that can expose subtle abnormalities. Join medicolegal experts in this medicolegal primer series as they share practical guidance on communicating with families about harmful events in radiology and navigating the challenges of malpractice litigation.
In this course, Kelly Yousem, a defense litigation lawyer, begins with an overview of the elements of a lawsuit and guidance on what to do if you are sued. She also explains types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and how they can help resolve cases outside the courtroom.
Next, Dr. Stephen Brown discusses how to communicate with families about harmful events in radiology, including the role of state apology laws, communication and resolution programs (CRPs), and effective responses to adverse events.
The course concludes with Dr. David Yousem and Kelly Yousem offering insights on how to conduct yourself as a defendant at trial, highlighting common pitfalls and providing legal perspectives on courtroom behavior.
Over the course of your career in radiology, there’s a likelihood you may be named in a suit. This is driven by the accessibility of imaging data, limited direct patient interaction, and improved technology that can expose subtle abnormalities. Join medicolegal experts in this medicolegal primer series as they share practical guidance on communicating with families about harmful events in radiology and navigating the challenges of malpractice litigation.
Faculty
David M Yousem, MD, MBA
Professor of Radiology, Vice Chairman and Associate Dean
Johns Hopkins University
Kelly P. Yousem, JD
Defense Litigation Lawyer
Stephen D. Brown, MD, FACR, HEC-C
Associate Professor of Radiology (Part-time)
Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Introduction
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Video
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2 min.
Elements of a Lawsuit
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34 min.
Introduction to Understanding Lawsuits
2 m
Definition of Duty
1 m
Definition of Breach
3 m
Definition of Causation
1 m
Definition of Damages
5 m
Degree of Proof Requirements
3 m
Informed Consent and Res Ipsa Loquitur
6 m
Case Example: Negligence
2 m
Liability Regarding Curbside Consult and Tumor Boards
7 m
Key Considerations for Plantiff Lawyers to Take a Case
3 m
Summarizing the Elements of a Lawsuit
1 m
What To Do if You Are Sued
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22 min.
Communication with Families About Harmful Events in Radiology
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29 min.
Introduction to Communicating With Families
1 m
Factors Contributing to Adverse Events in Radiology
1 m
Overview of Errors and Optimal Communication with Families
5 m
Determining When an Apology is Appropriate
2 m
Barriers to Communicating With Patients and Families About Errors
2 m
State Apology Laws
3 m
Communication and Resolution Programs (CRPs)
5 m
Steps to Address Adverse Events
6 m
Implications of CRPs for Radiologists
3 m
Summary on Communicating With Families
1 m
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
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13 min.
Tips for Behavior as a Defendant at Trial
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19 min.
Conclusion
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3 min.
Course Evaluation
Suggested Reading
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