Resident Death From Choking On a Pill In Michigan Nursing Home

Our Michigan nursing home neglect lawyers often pursue cases on behalf of the families of nursing home residents who die from choking on pills at the nursing home. These deaths are completely preventable with proper assessments, therapy, medication preparation, and observation. When a resident dies from a choking death, the family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

A common, and very serious, means of injury is choking and or asphyxiation.  Choking and asphyxiation are very preventable accidents. They can be prevented through proper medical care and effective patient monitoring.  Choking and asphyxiation injuries may reiterate a pattern of neglect on the part of the nursing home or assisted living home. If that is the case, a lawsuit may be sought.

Complications From Choking

Choking is extremely dangerous and can lead to long term health consequences. Due to the prolonged lack of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide buildup complications such as stroke, brain damage and death may occur as a result of choking. Nursing home and assisted living home residents should be identified as being choking hazards by staff. In addition, all patients should have emergency buttons located nearby so that they can call for help in the event of an emergency such as choking.

Causes Of Patient Choking on Pills

Choking can be caused by numerous reasons.  If a patient is at risk for choking, the staff should take certain precautions when administering medication to that patient.  Many patient many have trouble swallowing, to prevent choking in these patients; there medication should broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces.  At risk patients should also be monitored while taking their medication.  Choking incidents are completely preventable with the proper supervision and precautions.  If you feel that the nursing home your loved one resides in is not providing these measures, they could be negligent. (more…)