Asthma currently affects more than 18 million adults and 6 million children in the U.S. It accounts for about 6.5 percent of all physician office visits, leads to about 1.6 million visits to emergency rooms, and results in 3,500 deaths each year.
Asthma-associated medical expenses increased to $50.1 billion in 2007. Indirect economic costs of asthma, which include lost work and school days, add to the economic burden of asthma.
An injury related to asthma can lead to litigation. Claims may include allegations of medical malpractice or negligence, workers’ compensation claims, and others.
Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, and other potential parties to litigation need to understand the types of lawsuits and other liability issues that may arise in connection with asthma-related injuries.