Chicago Breathing Tube Injury in Nursing Home Attorney

Experienced Nursing Home Lawyer for Breathing Tube Injuries in Chicago, Illinois

Many residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities rely on breathing tubes to survive. It is the responsibility of the facility staff to ensure that they are operating properly. Breathing tube errors such as tubes that become clogged or dislodged can lead to serious brain damage or death in a matter of minutes. If you or a loved one has suffered from a breathing tube injury, it is important to speak with a seasoned nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, so you understand your legal options.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we have successfully represented countless victims of neglect and abuse in nursing homes. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this area of the law, and we have the experience, resources, and dedication to skillfully advocate for the rights and interests of each client we serve. We understand the outrage family members feel when they learn that a loved one suffered a life-threatening injury or wrongful death because they could not breathe, and we put our experience to work to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.

• $400,000 Nursing Home

  Breathing Tube Error at LTAC Facility

  Schwartz Injury Law represented the family of an 82-year-old man with progressive dementia who died after his tracheotomy tube became dislodged while under the care of a long-term acute care (LTAC) facility. Though the tube was replaced quickly after dislodgement, the man could not be resuscitated. The facility paid out $400,000 in compensation.

Breathing Tube Injuries in Illinois Nursing Homes

Many residents of nursing homes require breathing tubes or tracheotomy tubes to assist in providing them oxygen. The tube is usually inserted down the throat of the patient or into the front of the neck where it can pump air into the patient's lungs.

There are several potential complications that can arise when a breathing tube error occurs, such as:

• Infections: A breathing tube with bacteria can cause respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
• Pneumothorax: An improperly inserted breathing tube can cause air to leak into the space between the chest and the lungs, potentially causing infections, pain, and shortness of breath.
• Vocal Cord Damage: Tubes that are inserted too forcefully can cause damage to the vocal cords.
• Lung Damage: Too much pressure and/or too much oxygen pumped out of the tube can cause severe damage to the lungs.
• Bed Sores: If a patient is forced to remain in one position for too long while the breathing tube is connected, pressure sores and other skin problems can develop.
• Oxygen Deprivation: Perhaps the most serious breathing tube error is when the tube becomes clogged or dislodged, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. This can quickly cause severe brain damage or death.

Ventilators and breathing tubes are very important pieces of medical equipment that must be cared for and maintained. In addition, continuous monitoring of the patient is necessary to ensure the unit is working properly. Many breathing tube injuries occur because of inadequate staffing and/or staff that is poorly trained.

Speak with an Experienced Cook County Breathing Tube Injuries Lawyer

Breathing tube injuries are serious and often fatal. At Schwartz Injury Law, we know the common reasons these errors occur and what red flags to look for when reviewing nursing home records that may point to negligence. For a free consultation with our office, contact us today at 312-535-4625. We serve clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Winnebago County, and throughout Illinois.