Choking in Nursing Homes
For the frail elderly, even mundane body functions such as swallowing can be a challenge. Conditions from advanced Alzheimer’s disease to complications from stroke often make eating, drinking and even breathing difficult for nursing home residents, putting them at an elevated risk for choking and asphyxiation. Nursing homes have a responsibility to supervise and assist residents with swallowing disorders to reduce this risk. Unfortunately, instances of choking in nursing homes remain an all too common cause of injury and death among the elderly. This is where a Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help.
Each year, more than 500 individuals over the age of 65 die due to choking in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, according to the CDC. Because choking cuts off the supply of oxygen to the brain, even brief choking incidents can result in significant brain damage or death.Â
When families make the hard decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, they trust that nursing home staff will do everything within their power to keep their family member safe. Nursing homes that fail to take adequate steps to monitor residents at high risk for choking can be held liable for nursing home neglect.
Causes of Choking in Nursing Homes
Proper care for residents with difficulty swallowing should include a physician-approved individualized treatment plan that specifies an appropriate diet, eating restrictions, medication and supervision level. Adequate staffing should be available to ensure residents are monitored at mealtimes to prevent choking risks such as eating too quickly or eating while lying down. For patients who must obtain their nutritional intake through endotracheal tubes, trained staff must monitor and clean tubes to ensure they remain clear of debris that can cause choking. Unfortunately, nursing homes that are understaffed or staffed by unqualified, improperly trained, or flat-out careless employees put residents in danger of deadly choking incidents.
Common forms of neglect that can contribute to choking in nursing homes include:
- Failure to monitor eating and drinking
- Providing inappropriate foods or medication
- Allowing dehydration that leads to difficulty swallowing
- Poorly maintaining or monitoring breathing tubes
- Lack of attention to medication side effects
- Neglect of respiratory disease, which can block the airway
Often times, choking incidents in Illinois nursing homes could have been prevented had staff followed proper protocol and physician advice for the victim. It is impossible to measure the depth of anguish felt by families after learning a loved one suffered unnecessarily because of a nursing home’s carelessness. If someone you love has been seriously injured or killed following a choking episode in a nursing home, it’s important to understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for medical costs, pain and distress, or wrongful death.
There is no excuse for nursing home neglect or abuse that costs senior citizens their dignity, health and lives. The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for the reprehensible mistreatment of elderly residents. Our seasoned Chicago personal injury lawyers have been successfully obtaining justice for victims of nursing home neglect and their families for over six decades. As experts in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, out attorneys are prepared to carefully evaluate the circumstances of your claim, build a strong case, and fight tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Meet Our Team Of Chicago Choking Hazards Attorneys in Nursing Home
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is a highly experienced lawyer based in Chicago, who helps people and families affected by choking incidents in nursing home and other serious injuries. He is the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices and has won many record-setting verdicts and settlements for his clients in Illinois and nearby states.Â
Stephen has received many honors, including being named an Illinois Super Lawyer and one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States. He earned his law degree from Loyola University and has spent his career fighting for the rights of injury victims, including those harmed in nursing homes. Stephen is known for his dedication, skill, and compassion in helping people get justice.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is a partner at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago who is dedicated to fighting for victims of serious injuries, including nursing home abuse. Since starting his legal career in 2001, Terry has gained extensive experience handling complex injury cases like trucking accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He is known for his thoughtful preparation and strong advocacy, helping families get fair compensation when their loved ones suffer harm due to others’ negligence.
Terry also contributes to the legal community through his writing and serves on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. With a reputation for being thorough, respectful, and results-driven, he is a trusted advocate for those dealing with painful situations like nursing home neglect or abuse. His work focuses on ensuring victims and families receive justice and support during difficult times.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is a partner at Phillips Law Offices who has built a strong record of helping injury victims across Chicago, including those suffering from nursing home abuse and neglect. A third-generation trial lawyer, Stephen has participated in many high-profile cases and helped secure multi-million dollar settlements. His education includes a degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago, where he excelled academically.
Stephen is known for his commitment to protecting vulnerable clients from powerful corporations and negligent individuals. He has been recognized as one of the top young trial lawyers in the country and is a dedicated member of several professional legal organizations. His focus is on fighting for justice and full compensation for victims and their families throughout Illinois.
Contact Chicago Nursing Home Choking Lawyer
While no amount of money can undo your family member’s suffering, compensation awarded in a lawsuit can help victims and their families find healing and move forward. Contact our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers today at (312) 964-8296 or online to discuss your legal options during a free initial consultation – and let our wrongful death lawyers help you restore honor and justice for your loved one.