Pneumonia results in more than 50,000 deaths in the United States every year, with approximately 3.4% of hospital inpatient deaths being attributable to pneumonia. On a global basis, pneumonia is the leading cause of death for children under five years old.
Awards and settlements in malpractice lawsuits involving pneumonia can amount to millions of dollars.
Attorneys, physicians, hospitals, employers, insurers, and other potential parties to the litigation should be aware of the types of lawsuits and liability issues that can arise in connection with the diagnosis or treatment of pneumonia.
 |
Attorneys:
What proof is needed for a claim of lack of informed consent, alone or as part of a medical malpractice or negligence action, related to the treatment of pneumonia? And, what is a potential strategy for the attorney to employ?
|
 |
Physicians:
How can liability for medical malpractice be avoided for an injury related to the diagnosis or treatment of pneumonia? And, what is a potential strategy for the physician to employ?
|
 |
Insurers:
Can a payout under a medical malpractice liability policy be avoided by proof that the health provider was not negligent or there was no coverage for the provider’s actions? And, what is a potential strategy for the insurer to employ?
|
 |
Employers:
Can an employer be subject to liability for an employee’s pneumonia? And, what is a potential strategy for the employer to use?
|