Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Economic Cost: The estimated economic cost of injuries in the U.S. in 2019 was $4.2 trillion, including medical care, work loss, and quality of life losses.
2. Working-Aged Adults: More than half of the economic cost ($2.4 trillion) was among adults aged 25–64 years.
3. Gender Disparity: Males had higher injury-related costs ($1.6 trillion) compared to females ($607 billion) for fatal injuries, while nonfatal injury costs were similar for both genders.
4. Age Group Impact: Economic costs were highest among persons aged 25–44 and 45–64 years, each accounting for $1.2 trillion.
5. Prevention Resources: Resources for preventing injuries and violence are available from CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Cora Peterson, vsm2@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Peterson C, Miller GF, Barnett SB, Florence C. Economic Cost of Injury — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1655–1659. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7048a1

Summary

Unintentional and violence-related injuries, including suicide, were significant causes of death and emergency department visits in the U.S. in 2019. The CDC estimated the economic cost of these injuries at $4.2 trillion, with the majority of costs borne by working-aged adults. The report highlights the high societal cost of injuries and underscores the importance of prevention strategies.

Methods

The study used data from CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) to estimate the economic cost of injuries. Costs were assigned for medical care, work loss, value of statistical life, and quality of life losses. The analysis included both fatal and nonfatal injuries, with costs presented in 2019 U.S. dollars.

Discussion

The findings emphasize the substantial economic burden of injuries, particularly among working-aged adults. The report calls for targeted prevention strategies to reduce injury-related morbidity and mortality, which could yield long-term societal benefits and cost savings.

Conclusion

The economic cost of injuries in the U.S. in 2019 was $4.2 trillion, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. Resources for preventing injuries and violence are available from CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

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