Choking Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Our Chicago law firm puts your best interests first
Nursing homes need to pay close attention to residents living in their facility. In many cases, older adults have swallowing issues that can increase their risk of having a potentially fatal choking incident.
When this happens, nursing home neglect may be to blame. However, proving that a nursing home failed to act responsibly can be a challenge. This is because many nursing homes often deny doing anything wrong.
That’s not right. That’s why we want to help. Our Chicago nursing home neglect attorneys at Ferrell Young, LLC have years of experience handling such complex legal cases. As a result, we know what evidence to look for and can get to work right away building your strong legal case.
Why choking occurs in nursing homes
Many nursing home residents are at a higher risk of choking. In fact, choking is one of the leading causes of death for people over 74 years old, according to a study conducted by the National Safety Council.
Nursing home residents often have physical issues that make choking more likely, including dysphagia, a medical term for difficulty swallowing. Some causes of dysphagia include:
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s and other degenerative diseases
- Cancer, especially mouth or throat cancer
- Head injury
- Allergic reaction to certain foods or medications
However, even if someone does not have any of these medical conditions, they could still be at risk of choking in a nursing home. Older adults might have a dry mouth, either naturally or due to certain medications. They might also have trouble chewing due to dentures. Either way, nursing homes need to pay attention so residents don’t choke on food at their facilities.
How nursing home negligence causes choking
Nursing homes need to carefully monitor residents, especially at mealtimes. Many nursing home residents have underlying medical conditions that make them more susceptible to choking, which can have fatal consequences.
For example, if a nursing home resident has a medical condition that makes it difficult to swallow – including Parkinson’s, GERD or throat cancer – responsible nursing homes carefully monitor such residents while they’re eating or drinking.
When nursing homes fail to take such precautions and a nursing home resident chokes, negligence may have occurred. As a result, the nursing home may be liable (legally responsible) for the choking injury.
What are my legal options?
If you or a loved one choked at a nursing home and you can prove that the nursing home negligence occurred, you may be able to file a lawsuit to hold the facility accountable. A nursing home neglect attorney at our Chicago law firm can help you understand your different legal options, and which one might be the right one for you.
Demand justice. Contact our law firm
The stakes are high in many legal cases involving choking and nursing home negligence. If someone was seriously injured or died as a result of choking in a nursing home, the long-term care facility may be legally responsible for financially compensating you or your family. And such cases can easily add up to thousands of dollars or significantly more.
We know what’s at stake. We also believe strongly in holding nursing homes accountable for their actions. That’s why our Chicago nursing home neglect lawyers want to help. We know the law and understand how the legal system works when it comes to choking incidents at Illinois nursing homes.
Get the Chicago law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation if you or a loved one choked due to nursing home negligence. You can reach us online or simply call us today. Se habla Español.