Few things are more devastating than learning that a loved one has suffered choking or strangulation in a nursing home. These incidents are not only traumatic but often preventable. At Nancy Iler Law Firm, our dedicated Cincinnati nursing home choking and strangulation attorneys investigate these cases, hold negligent facilities accountable, and fight to keep vulnerable residents safe.
Understanding the Serious Risk of Choking in Nursing Homes
For many nursing home residents, even an everyday meal can present a life-threatening danger. Choking is a major risk for seniors with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) — a condition that affects nearly 70% of nursing home residents. In some cases, strangulation hazards, like poorly designed or maintained bed rails, can trap a resident’s head and restrict breathing.
The tragedy is that most of these incidents can be prevented with proper supervision, dietary management, and adherence to safety protocols. When facilities fail to provide that care, the result is often catastrophic.
Why Choking and Strangulation Happen in Nursing Homes
Common causes of choking or strangulation injuries include:
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Lack of supervision during meals or medication administration
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Failure to follow special diet plans for residents with swallowing disorders
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Dangerous bed rails or other equipment hazards
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Understaffing, leaving residents unattended
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Inadequate staff training on recognizing and responding to choking
Our firm investigates every aspect of what went wrong, reviewing medical records, care plans, and facility procedures to build a compelling case for accountability.
Risk Factors for Choking
Certain medical conditions greatly increase the risk of choking:
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Stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological damage
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Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis
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Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
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GERD or throat tumors
Ill-fitting dentures, sedating medications, and poor positioning during meals can also contribute to choking hazards.
The Duty to Assess and Supervise
Nursing homes must evaluate residents for swallowing issues upon admission and after major health changes, then implement appropriate precautions. This may include:
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Pureed diets or thickened liquids
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One-on-one assistance with eating
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Monitoring during meals
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Staff training on emergency procedures
Failing to perform these assessments — or ignoring the care plan — puts residents at unacceptable risk.
Recognizing Signs of Choking
Early recognition can save a life. Warning signs include:
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Coughing, gagging, or wheezing during meals
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Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
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Clutching the throat or appearing panicked
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Excessive drooling or watery eyes
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Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
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Silent choking — an inability to cough or make noise while choking
When staff fail to act quickly, a preventable incident can turn fatal.
Your Legal Rights in Cincinnati & Across Ohio
Ohio law requires nursing homes to maintain safe conditions and protect residents from foreseeable harm. If a facility’s negligence caused choking or strangulation injuries — or wrongful death — your family may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical treatment and related expenses
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Wrongful death damages
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Punitive damages where misconduct was reckless or willful
Investigating Nursing Home Negligence
Our team works quickly to preserve evidence, consult medical experts, and determine whether the facility failed to meet the required standard of care. Understaffing, ignored assessments, and unsafe equipment are common findings in these cases — and we hold nursing homes accountable when those failures cause harm.
Why Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Decades of Experience: Over 30 years focused on nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
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Proven Results: We have recovered millions for families across Ohio.
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Compassionate Approach: We support you through the legal process while fighting aggressively for justice.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If your loved one suffered choking or strangulation in a Cincinnati nursing home, act now. Evidence can disappear quickly, and Ohio has strict time limits for filing claims.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis — you owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. We proudly serve families throughout Cincinnati and across Ohio.