Introduction
Chronic kidney disease affects about 14% of the U.S. population, with 660,000 people suffering kidney failure. About 468,000 of those afflicted receive dialysis, while another 193,000 live with a functioning kidney transplant. Medicare spending for patients age 65 and older with chronic kidney disease exceeded $50 billion in 2013.

Kidney disease is considered a “silent disease.” Often it has no symptoms in its early stages and can go undetected until it becomes very advanced. More people die from kidney disease each year than from breast or prostate cancer. An injury related to a kidney disease or disorder can lead to litigation.

Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, and other potential parties to litigation should be aware of the types of lawsuits and other liability issues that may arise in connection with injuries related to kidney diseases or disorders.

March is National Kidney Month.