Nursing home residents often require feeding tubes to ensure they receive the nutrition they need. However, complications can arise if a feeding tube is not inserted safely or if nursing home staff fail to maintain the tube properly.
If your loved one has been injured due to a feeding tube failure, our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys can help. Call Cullotta Bravo Law at (630) 898-7800 to schedule a consultation.
Feeding Tube Issues in Nursing Homes
A feeding tube delivers liquid nutrients. It may be used in nursing home settings when a resident is unable to safely chew, swallow, or digest food due to medical conditions such as:
- cancer
- muscular weakness
- neurological conditions, e.g., Parkinson’s
- stroke
- trauma
Although feeding tubes can help residents get vital sustenance, there’s a lot that can go wrong with these devices, especially if the member of staff who inserts the tube does not perform the task with due care and attention. Common feeding tube issues include:
- Clogging: if the tube is not carefully cleaned and maintained, it may clog or stop working.
- Dislodgement: a tube must be placed in precisely the correct position, or else it can damage the throat and nearby structures.
- Leaking: a leaking feeding tube can cause infection, abdominal discomfort, or digestive distress e.g., diarrhea and vomiting.
Issues may also arise if there’s no thorough assessment of the person’s dietary needs before inserting the feeding tube or if staff insert the tube without fully considering if it’s the safest option based on the person’s medical history.
Feeding Tube Failure Injuries
Feeding tube issues can cause significant – and sometimes life-threatening – injuries. The type of injuries nursing home residents could sustain depends upon various factors, including the type of feeding tube used and how it is inserted. However, common injuries resulting from feeding tube failures include:
- choking injuries
- bleeding
- esophageal damage
- infection
- malnutrition
- pneumonia
If feeding tube issues are not addressed quickly, elderly, disabled, or frail individuals can deteriorate rapidly, leading to more significant injuries and possible death.
Liability for Nursing Home Feeding Tube Failures
You may have a claim for a feeding tube injury if the injury results from nursing home negligence, abuse, or neglect. Parties you may hold liable include the nursing home facility, members of staff, and managers. If the feeding tube failure results from a product malfunction, you may even sue third parties, such as the medical device manufacturer.
Our attorneys can explain who may be liable in your case.
How to Sue a Nursing Home for Feeding Tube Injuries
If you wish to sue a nursing home for a feeding tube injury, it’s best to have an experienced attorney on your side. The Cullotta Bravo Law attorneys will:
- evaluate your case to determine if there’s a claim
- determine who is at fault for the injury
- gather all relevant evidence to build a strong case
- negotiate with the party at fault to reach a favorable settlement
- take your claim to trial if this is necessary to secure a fair outcome
At Cullotta Bravo Law, we will do everything possible to secure the compensation your loved one deserves. Illinois civil law imposes time limits on making claims, so contact us as soon as possible for advice.
Damages for Nursing Home Injury Claims
If you file a feeding tube injury claim, you may be able to claim compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and related losses. Damages may also be available if the person dies due to their feeding tube injury.
The Cullotta Bravo Law attorneys know that every case is unique. We will carefully evaluate your claim and determine how much compensation may be available depending on the specific facts of your case.
Feeding Tube Failure Attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law
Nursing home staff are expected to treat residents with care and compassion. If your loved one is injured due to nursing home negligence, they deserve justice for the harm and distress caused.
The Cullotta Bravo Law team can determine if you have a claim and how best to proceed with the case. To learn more about claiming compensation for nursing home feeding tube injuries in Illinois, arrange a free initial consultation with us by calling (630) 898-7800 or completing our contact form.
