Several factors could lead to a choking death in a nursing home, including issues with a nursing home's staffing shortages. Understanding these can help your attorney determine if the facility might be liable:
Inadequate Staff Training: Staff must be trained in the proper techniques for assisting residents who may have difficulty swallowing or are at risk of choking. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident starts to choke. Failure to provide such training can be grounds for liability.
Improper Dietary Management: Residents with swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, require specially prepared diets. If a nursing home fails to provide appropriate food textures or neglects dietary recommendations, choking incidents can occur.
Lack of Supervision: Residents should be carefully monitored during meals to ensure they are eating safely. Inadequate supervision can result in choking episodes going unnoticed or untreated.
Inadequate Medical Care: If a resident chokes and the response from the staff is delayed or ineffective, this can contribute to a fatal outcome. Prompt medical intervention is crucial in choking emergencies.