Choking
Nursing home staff and administrators are responsible for the care and supervision of their residents. When those residents take oral medications, they may be at an increased risk of choking. If you suspect that negligent care led to a choking hazard for your family member, Crandall & Pera Law may be able to help. Our team of attorneys and registered nurses helps families throughout Ohio and Kentucky when negligent nursing home care leads to injury. We stand up for the rights of elderly patients, and we are acknowledged by objective ratings services for our advocacy on behalf of our clients.
What Creates A Choking Hazard?
There are neurological, physical and health-related difficulties that increase the risk of choking. Nursing home residents are at particular risk because of:
- Medications that dry out the throat and mouth
- Dementia or cognitive difficulties that make it difficult to swallow
- Dehydration
- Clogged feeding or breathing tubes, which can block airways
- Muscle atrophy in the throat as a result of aging or disease such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis
- Treatments associated with certain types of cancer
- Respiratory infections, which cause an excess of phlegm
Keeping Residents Safe
To minimize the risk of choking, nursing homes should be aware of potential side effects of their residents’ medications and provide supervision during medication or meal times. When nursing homes are understaffed, it can become difficult to maintain the appropriate levels of supervision, and communication errors between staff, doctors, pharmacists and patients may increase. This type of neglect can lead to the wrongful death of your family member.
Crandall & Pera Law represents victims of this type of nursing home negligence. We know which medications can create the circumstances for choking and what level of supervision needs to be given to sick residents. We have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for nursing home residents throughout Kentucky because we are thorough, attentive and aggressive on their behalf. We can arrange a visit your family member in the nursing home to discuss a potential case together.
Helping Families After A Choking Injury
Crandall & Pera Law represents the rights of elderly nursing home patients. We understand the devastating effects a choking hazard can have on a family. If your loved one has suffered a choking incident and lives in a nursing home in Kentucky, please call 855-444-6651 or fill out this convenient online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.