Choking Accidents in Nursing Homes

Name: Choking
Brand: Beausay & Nichols Law Firm
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If someone you love has suffered a serious injury or passed away due to choking in a nursing home, it’s natural to wonder whether the facility may be responsible. In Ohio, nursing homes have a legal duty to protect the safety and well-being of their residents. When that duty is breached and it leads to harm, the facility may be liable for the injuries or loss. You deserve clear answers and trusted support as you navigate what comes next.

We Hold Nursing Homes Accountable

Beausay & Nichols Law Firm is dedicated to standing up for the rights of families who have suffered losses because of nursing home abuse or neglect. If your loved one’s choking injury was the result of negligence, we are here to take action on your behalf. You can depend on our experienced attorneys for legal support to hold caregivers and nursing homes accountable for their actions.

Common Causes of Choking in Nursing Homes

The body loses muscle and strength as part of the natural aging process. All muscles in the body become weaker, including those involved in chewing and swallowing food. With that in mind, difficulty swallowing food is the number one cause of choking deaths in nursing homes.

According to data from the National Safety Council, 5,553 people died as a result of choking in 2022, and the rate of death rapidly rose at the age of 71. Older adults may experience difficulty in swallowing for the following reasons:

Dentures that do not fit
Dry mouth
Unsuitable food texture
Dysphagia—difficulty in swallowing due to weak nerve or muscle control

Nursing homes should be aware of such risks and take proper precautions to keep residents safe from choking.

Steps to Take After a Choking Incident in a Nursing Home

The steps you take after a choking incident in a nursing home can protect the health of your loved one and their legal options. Here are a few steps to take after the incident:

Seek Medical Attention

Choking is a serious condition that requires medical attention for your loved one. While immediate attention can eliminate the choking hazard, the victim needs a medical evaluation.

Report the Incident to the Facility and Authorities

An incident report will create an official record you can use in your legal action. You may also report the choking incident to the authorities if you suspect neglect or abuse.

Gather Evidence

Compile any evidence you can find as soon after the choking incident in the nursing home. Most sources of evidence are time-sensitive and likely to vanish with a delay. Examples of evidence include videos, witness statements, and medical records.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

We can assess your best options for holding the nursing home accountable for any choking injuries.

Trusted Legal Guidance When Your Family Needs It Most

Choking is a devastating event in nursing homes and can lead to serious injury or even the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. If your family is facing the aftermath of a choking incident, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a meaningful difference. Nursing homes often have powerful legal teams working to protect their interests, and insurers may offer settlements that fall far short of what families truly deserve.

At Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, we are here to advocate for you. Our attorneys will stand up to the nursing home and its insurers, negotiate for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, fight for you in court. You can count on us to offer clear, trusted guidance every step of the way—so you can focus on healing while we work to protect your loved one’s rights.

Schedule an Initial Consultation With a Caring Nursing Home Lawyer in Columbus, OH

Any injury, abuse, or neglect in a nursing home affects the victim and their family. At Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, we work to protect the rights of you and your loved ones after a case of nursing home negligence.