When a loved one is harmed or loses their life because of choking or strangulation in a nursing home, families are left heartbroken and searching for answers. At Nancy Iler Law Firm, our experienced Dayton nursing home choking and strangulation attorneys investigate what happened, hold negligent facilities accountable, and fight to protect the safety and dignity of vulnerable residents.
Choking Risks in Dayton Nursing Homes
For residents with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), even a routine meal can be dangerous. Studies show nearly 70% of nursing home residents experience some level of dysphagia, putting them at risk for choking and aspiration pneumonia. Strangulation can also occur if a resident becomes trapped in poorly designed bed rails or unsafe equipment.
These incidents are rarely “just accidents.” In most cases, choking and strangulation injuries are preventable and signal a breakdown in care — from inadequate supervision to ignored dietary restrictions.
Why Nursing Home Choking and Strangulation Occur
Our Dayton nursing home injury team frequently sees these common causes:
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Residents left unsupervised during meals or medication administration
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Failure to follow prescribed diets or texture-modified food plans
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Bed rails and restraints creating strangulation hazards
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Severe understaffing, leaving high-risk residents unattended
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Poor training in recognizing and responding to choking emergencies
We review medical records, care plans, and staff logs to find out where the system failed — and who is responsible.
Medical & Non-Medical Risk Factors
Choking risk is higher for residents with:
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History of stroke or traumatic brain injury
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Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or other neuromuscular disorders
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Alzheimer’s or dementia
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or throat tumors
Ill-fitting dentures, sedatives, and even poor positioning while eating can make swallowing dangerous. Nursing homes must assess for these risks regularly and adjust care plans accordingly.
Proper Assessments and Supervision Save Lives
Ohio nursing homes have a legal duty to evaluate swallowing ability and provide proper care. This often includes:
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Pureed diets or thickened liquids
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Close supervision or one-on-one assistance during meals
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Staff trained in choking response protocols
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Regular reassessments after medical events or changes in condition
Failing to follow these steps can lead to tragic, yet preventable, injuries or deaths.
Warning Signs of Choking
Families and caregivers should watch for:
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Coughing, gagging, or wheezing while eating
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Gasping or struggling to breathe
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Holding the throat or showing visible distress
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Drooling, watery eyes, or sudden changes in color
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Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
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“Silent choking” — inability to cough or cry out
Quick action saves lives. Delayed or absent staff response often leads to catastrophic outcomes.
Your Legal Rights in Dayton & Throughout Ohio
Nursing homes must provide a safe environment and adequate care. When they fail, you may have the right to pursue compensation for:
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Medical treatment and future care needs
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Pain and suffering
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Punitive damages in cases of reckless or willful neglect
Our attorneys handle every step — investigation, negotiations, and litigation if needed — to seek justice for your loved one.
How We Investigate Nursing Home Negligence
Our Dayton legal team acts quickly to preserve evidence, consult medical experts, and analyze whether the nursing home followed state and federal care standards. We know how to uncover negligence hidden by incomplete records or uncooperative facilities.
Why Families Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Decades of Experience: Over 30 years focused on elder abuse and nursing home negligence cases.
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Aggressive Representation: We hold nursing homes and their insurers accountable.
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Compassionate Advocacy: We support your family through every step of this difficult process.
Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win
If your loved one has suffered choking or strangulation in a Dayton nursing home, contact Nancy Iler Law Firm today. We offer a free, confidential consultation, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.