About 600,000 people in the United States die of heart disease every year, which is one in every four U.S. deaths. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The most common type of heart disease – coronary heart disease – kills nearly 380,000 people each year and costs $108.9 billion annually. A recent study indicated that more than half of all men and women over the age of 45 will develop heart disease during their lifetimes.
Even though heart disease is so common, mistakes can be made in diagnosing and treating this ailment. These mistakes may give rise to medical malpractice or negligence claims, which can result in high settlement and awards.
Attorneys, physicians, hospitals, insurers, and other parties to litigation should be aware of the types of lawsuits and other liability issues that may arise in connection with the diagnosis or treatment of heart disease.
February is National Heart Month. The American Heart Association and other organizations encourage everyone to live a heart healthy life.