Chicago Choking in Nursing Home Lawyer

Nursing Home Attorneys for Victims of Choking Incidents in Chicago, Illinois

Meal times can become dangerous or even fatal at nursing homes when there is inadequate staffing to properly monitor and supervise the food intake of residents. Many elderly and disabled patients have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, and in such cases, safety procedures must be followed to ensure these patients do not suffer harm. If you or someone close to you has suffered severe injury (or death) due to a choking accident, it is important to speak with a skilled nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, so you understand your rights and options.

Schwartz Injury Law has in-depth experience and a strong track record of success in nursing home negligence and abuse cases. We have helped countless clients secure large settlements and awards for injuries and fatalities due to choking accidents and other types of life-threatening incidents. We have extensive knowledge of this area of the law, and we know what it takes to prevail against even the most well-funded adversaries.

• $410,000 Nursing Home

  Family of Choking Victim

  The nursing home team at Schwartz Injury Law represented the family of a 54-year old man who choked to death at an Illinois nursing home. The victim suffered from severe dementia, and the accident happened while the man was eating a meal that was served to him. We were able to show that the victim's death was a direct result of the nursing home being understaffed at the time the choking incident occurred. The family received $410,000 in compensation.

Common Causes of Choking in Illinois Nursing Homes

Poor staff supervision is the primary cause of nursing home choking accidents. However, there are other factors that can make these types of incidents more likely:

• Neurological Damage and Disorders: Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia can have a negative impact on a patient's ability to eat and swallow.
• Medication Errors: Administering too much medication, the wrong type of medication, or an incompatible mixture of medications can make it harder for patients to swallow food. For example, some medications contain muscle relaxants that inhibit the ability to chew and swallow.
• Infections: Illnesses such as infections can slow the physical and cognitive functions of patients, thus heightening the risk of choking.
• Poor Diets: A diet that is not appropriate for the health conditions of the patient can result in extreme difficulty chewing and swallowing the food that is served to them.

It is the responsibility of the nursing home and its staff to be aware of the heightened risks of choking among certain segments of their population. When they fail to account for these risks and do not ensure that each patient is eating properly, deadly incidents are often the result of choking negligence.

Speak with an Experienced Illinois Nursing Home Choking Incident Attorney

At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand the pain and suffering choking victims go through, and we work hard to make the legal process as smooth and seamless as possible for victims and their families. We offer free consultations, and we work closely with you throughout the process, providing ongoing updates and responding quickly to all your questions and concerns. Contact our office 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.