If your elderly loved one chokes in a nursing home, it is important to take action immediately. Choking can be a life-threatening emergency, and nursing homes have a duty to provide adequate care and supervision to their residents. If you believe that your loved one’s choking incident was caused by nursing home neglect or abuse, you may be able to file a lawsuit to hold the facility accountable.
What to Do After Your Loved One Chokes in a Nursing Home
If your loved one chokes in a nursing home, the first thing you should do is call 911. Even if your loved one recovers from the choking incident, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional. Once your loved one is safe, you should gather as much information as possible about the incident. This may include speaking to the nursing home staff, taking pictures of the scene, and obtaining medical records.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Nursing home neglect or abuse can take many forms, including:
- Failure to provide adequate supervision
- Failure to provide proper care and treatment
- Failure to follow a resident’s care plan
- Physical or emotional abuse
If you notice any of the following signs of nursing home neglect or abuse, you should contact a lawyer immediately:
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Social isolation
Filing a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home
If you believe that your loved one’s choking incident was caused by nursing home neglect or abuse, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the facility. A nursing home negligence lawsuit can help you recover damages for your loved one’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life.
To file a nursing home negligence lawsuit, you will need to prove that the nursing home owed your loved one a duty of care, that the nursing home breached that duty of care, and that the breach caused your loved one’s injuries. A nursing home negligence lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case and build a strong legal argument.
Hiring an Elderly Choking Law Firm
If you are considering filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit, it is important to hire an experienced elderly choking law firm. An elderly choking law firm will have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle your case effectively. They may also provide emotional support during this trying period.
How to Choose an Elderly Choking Law Firm
When choosing an elderly choking law firm, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Experience: Choose a law firm that has experience handling nursing home negligence cases.
- Reputation: Choose a reputable legal firm. Ask friends or relatives for referrals or browse internet reviews.
- Fees: Ask about the law firm’s fees and costs upfront. Many nursing home negligence lawyers offer free consultations.
Contact an Elderly Choking Law Firm Today
If your elderly loved one has been choked in a nursing home, contact an elderly choking law firm today. They can explain your legal choices and fight for your recompense.
Common Causes of Choking in Nursing Homes
There are a number of common causes of choking in nursing homes, including:
- Food: Elderly people are at an increased risk of choking on food, especially if they have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Medications: Some medications can cause side effects such as dry mouth or difficulty swallowing, which can increase the risk of choking.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, can also increase the risk of choking.
- Neglect: Nursing home neglect can also lead to choking incidents. For example, if nursing home staff fail to supervise residents properly or fail to provide them with adequate assistance with eating and drinking, residents may be at an increased risk of choking.
How to Prevent Choking in Nursing Homes
There are a number of things that nursing homes can do to prevent choking incidents, including:
- Providing proper supervision: Nursing home staff should supervise residents closely while they are eating and drinking.
- Providing adequate assistance: Nursing home staff should provide residents with adequate assistance with eating and drinking, especially if they have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Modifying food and drinks: Nursing homes should modify food and drinks for residents who have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Educating staff: Nursing homes should educate their staff on how to prevent choking incidents and how to respond to choking incidents if they do occur.