RT Journal
T1 X-ray dangers.
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1899
FD May 6
VO XXXII
IS 18
SP 1006
OP 1006
DO 10.1001/jama.1899.02450450046015
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1899.02450450046015
AB A verdict of $10,000 has just been rendered against the owners and operators of the Roentgen X-Ray Laboratory in Chicago. The plaintiff had a stiff ankle, and a skiagraph was desired to ascertain the exact state of affairs in the joint. As a result of the examination, it was claimed, a necrosis ensued, requiring three separate amputations before the patient was entirely free from his trouble. It was held by the prosecution, and this view was evidently accepted by the jury, that the examination was improperly made, that the exposures were too long and that the subsequent disease of the limb was entirely the fault of the operators. Experts were employed by both sides and there was probably the usual conflict of testimony, so that, regarding any scientific disposition of the question, nothing practical will have been gained, and as the case will undoubtedly be appealed, its legal status is