Los Angeles County Nursing Home Choking Death Lawyers

Older adults are at a significantly higher risk of choking-related deaths, particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These establishments have a responsibility to recognize and mitigate these risks by taking appropriate precautions. If your elderly loved one tragically passed away from choking while living in one of these facilities, our experienced Los Angeles nursing home choking death lawyers are here to help you pursue justice.

Choking deaths among elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are alarmingly frequent and often preventable. Many times, these fatalities result from staff negligence or a lack of proper oversight. For example, facility staff may fail to adequately monitor residents during mealtimes, serve meals that contain known choking hazards, or neglect to modify food appropriately for residents with specific medical needs.

Several health and medical conditions make older adults more vulnerable to choking. These risk factors include:

• History of Stroke: Stroke survivors may have swallowing difficulties or limited oral motor function.
• Use of Dentures: Dentures can affect the ability to chew food properly.
• Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: These conditions can make it difficult for residents to eat safely without assistance.
• Special Diet Requirements: Certain diets need careful monitoring to avoid choking hazards.
• Medications Causing Dry Mouth: A dry mouth increases the risk of choking because saliva helps to moisten and break down food for easier swallowing.

Even without these risk factors, elderly individuals are more susceptible to choking than younger adults. As people age, their mouths naturally become drier, and the swallowing process becomes more challenging, making vigilant care essential.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Los Angeles County must implement safety protocols to minimize choking risks. According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), facilities should take the following preventative measures:

• Avoid Serving High-Risk Foods: This includes hot dogs, large pieces of meat, bone-in chicken, hard candy, popcorn, dry bread, peanut butter, cold pizza, and unpeeled fruits. Foods should be served in a safer form or substituted entirely.
• Modify Drinking Practices: Residents should avoid drinking fluids while eating. For those at high risk of choking, thickening agents can be added to liquids to make swallowing safer.
• Limit Conversation During Meals: Talking while eating can lead to choking, so residents should not be engaged in conversation while consuming food.
• Proper Positioning: Ensure residents are sitting upright while eating. Eating in a reclined or lying position can drastically increase the risk of choking.
• Assisted Feeding Protocols: Residents who require assistance with eating should be fed slowly and patiently. Foods should be cut into small, manageable pieces, and fruits should be peeled to eliminate additional risks.
• Meal Monitoring: Staff should provide adequate supervision and monitoring during mealtimes, especially for residents known to have higher choking risks.

By following these guidelines, facilities can greatly reduce the likelihood of choking incidents and ensure the safety of their residents.

When a loved one dies from choking in a nursing home or assisted living facility, family members have the right to hold the facility accountable. Nursing homes are required by law to provide a standard level of care, which includes appropriate food handling and close monitoring to prevent choking. If a facility fails in its duty and a resident dies as a result, legal action may be warranted. Call our Los Angeles nursing home choking lawyers to determine if you have a case.

An experienced Los Angeles County nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can assist you in filing a claim to seek justice and compensation after a choking death. Legal claims for wrongful death can provide financial relief for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and other damages. Moreover, these claims can serve as a catalyst for systemic change in the facility, potentially saving other residents from harm.

No family should have to endure the grief of losing an elderly loved one due to a preventable choking incident. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities must be held responsible when their negligence leads to such tragedies. If you are facing this difficult situation, our compassionate and skilled legal team at the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group is here to support you.

Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist your family in seeking justice. We are committed to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents and ensuring that negligent facilities are held accountable. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with the care and expertise you deserve.