Intubation is sometimes necessary when a nursing home resident cannot breathe on his or her own. An endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted into a windpipe, and a small balloon is inflated to ensure the tube stays in place and that air can be delivered to the person’s lungs. ETTs are often powered by ventilators but may also be used with a bag that is manually squeezed by a healthcare provider in an emergency.
Breathing tubes can be life-saving devices when used correctly. However, when a breathing tube is placed improperly or not secured, severe injuries caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain can occur.
If your loved one suffered brain damage or passed away because of a breathing tube mistake in a nursing home, you may be able to take legal action on his or her behalf against the nursing home.
Lack of Training, Negligence, and Oversights Can Cause Intubation Injuries
Intubation is a delicate process that requires skill and attention. Nursing home staff who are inadequately trained or are not paying close attention can make mistakes when inserting a breathing tube that reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the resident’s lungs. Cerebral hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain, leads to brain cell death within just five minutes. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for 10 minutes or longer, brain death occurs.
Cerebral hypoxia can also occur if a breathing tube becomes dislodged or blocked. Mucus or saliva can clog a breathing tube, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the resident. Nursing home staff must be vigilant for signs of breathing tube problems. A resident who is placed on a breathing tube should be regularly monitored for signs of distress or low oxygen saturation levels. Monitoring a nursing home resident who has been intubated can be the difference between life and death.
Nursing Home Injuries and Deaths Caused by Negligence
Nursing home staff have a duty to act with a reasonable degree of caution and skill. If a nursing home’s failure to provide adequate medical care to a resident causes injury or death, the nursing home may be liable for damages.
If your loved one suffered brain damage or died because of nursing home negligence, you have the right to file a claim against the facility. A personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a nursing home cannot undo your loved one’s suffering or make up for a tragic death. However, a claim may be used to hold the nursing home accountable and recover financial compensation for damages.
Contact our Peoria Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
The skilled Peoria nursing home neglect attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law are dedicated to holding negligent nursing homes accountable when their actions lead to a resident’s injury or death. Call our office today at 309-524-6900 and set up a free initial consultation to learn more about our services.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6025-cerebral–hypoxia
