Three Prevalent Breathing Tube Injuries in Illinois Nursing Homes

 Posted on October 16, 2026 in Breathing Tube Injuries

For many nursing home residents, especially those with respiratory issues or those in critical condition, breathing tubes are a lifeline.  However, when these essential medical devices are mishandled, the consequences can be severe, leading to infections, oxygen deprivation, and lung damage. Suppose your loved one suffered a breathing tube injury at his or her nursing home. In that case, contacting a Will County, IL nursing home injury lawyer may be in your best interests.

At Schwartz Injury Law, prospective clients speak with real lawyers. This direct client-attorney contact can provide distinct comfort to clients, especially those navigating the often upsetting circumstances surrounding nursing home injuries. We are here to give you a realistic idea of your legal options and help you fight for a fair remedy.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Associated With Misused Breathing Tubes in 2026?

Breathing tube injuries in nursing homes can result in real harm, and for residents who are already in fragile health, the damage can be life-threatening. Some common outcomes of negligent breathing tube handling include: 

Infections

One of the primary risks associated with breathing tubes is the development of infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). When a breathing tube is inserted, especially over extended periods of time, it can become a pathway for bacteria to enter the lungs, leading to serious and sometimes fatal infections.

Nursing homes must have a responsibility to maintain strict hygiene protocols, including regular and thorough cleaning of the equipment and proper training for staff on how to minimize the risk associated with bacterial contamination. When these important cleaning standards are not upheld, infections can run rampant.

Oxygen Deprivation

Oxygen deprivation is another severe complication of breathing tube injuries, which can have devastating consequences for residents. Oxygen deprivation can happen if the tube becomes dislodged, blocked, or malfunctions in any way that restricts the flow of air. Of course, prolonged oxygen deprivation can be life-threatening, leading to brain damage and other irreversible health issues. Legal action in this kind of case may hinge on proving the staff at the nursing home failed to monitor the resident properly or failed to respond swiftly to signs of distress.

Long-Term Lung Damage

Breathing tubes, while in many cases life-saving, can cause serious lung damage if used incorrectly. For instance, high pressure from mechanical ventilators or prolonged use of the tube can contribute, in some cases, to lung damage, worsening the resident’s overall condition. An injury claim focuses on whether the nursing home exercised proper due diligence in the care of the resident, or if the nursing home resident was injured because of neglect or abuse.

How Do You Show That a Nursing Home Was Negligent in Inserting a Breathing Tube?

Showing that a nursing home was negligent in inserting a breathing tube usually means proving that staff did not meet the expected standard of care. In simple terms, you must show that a careful, trained caregiver would have acted differently. Medical records, staff statements, and opinions from medical experts often help prove this.

Lack of training is a common problem. Placing and caring for a breathing tube takes skill. Staff need to know how to position the tube, secure it, and confirm that air is reaching the lungs. When a nursing home lets untrained or poorly trained workers handle this task, mistakes become more likely. Training records and work histories can show whether the person who handled the tube had the right skills.

Failure to monitor changes in a resident’s condition is another key issue. A resident with a breathing tube needs close watching. Staff should check oxygen levels, breathing sounds, and the position of the tube. Warning signs can include low oxygen, bluish lips, coughing, gurgling, or sudden confusion. If staff miss or ignore these signs, a small problem can quickly become an emergency. Nursing notes, monitor readings, and call light records can reveal gaps in care.

Can a Claim for a Breathing Tube Injury Include Pain and Suffering?

A claim for a breathing tube injury in Illinois can factor in the harm that does not come with a bill. A badly placed tube can scrape or tear the throat. Infections can cause fever, chest pain, and trouble breathing. A resident may feel panic or fear when he or she cannot get enough air.

Pain and suffering can also include emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. A resident who once enjoyed talking with family or eating meals may lose these abilities after an injury. Some residents face months of extra treatment, and some never fully recover.

Pain and suffering can be harder to prove than medical bills. Medical records, statements from doctors, and accounts from family members can help show how the injury changed the resident’s daily life. A claim can also seek payment for medical costs, such as hospital stays, surgery, and ongoing respiratory care.

What Can You Do if a Nursing Home Resident Dies as a Result of a Breathing Tube Error?

If a nursing home resident dies as a result of a breathing tube error, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Illinois law allows this type of claim when a death is caused by another party’s wrongful act or neglect (740 ILCS 180/1). The claim is filed by the personal representative of the resident’s estate. Any recovery goes to the surviving spouse and next of kin.

A wrongful death claim can seek damages for the family’s losses. These may include grief, sorrow, and the loss of the resident’s love and companionship. Funeral and burial costs may also be recovered. A separate claim, called a survival action, may seek damages for the pain the resident went through before death.

Strict time limits apply to these claims, so families should not wait too long to act. Requesting copies of medical records soon after the death can also help protect important evidence. If you have lost a loved one after a breathing tube error, our firm can review what happened and explain your options.

Contact Our Will County, IL Breathing Tube Injury Lawyers 

Is your loved one suffering from a breathing tube injury in his or her nursing home? If so, contact the Cook County, IL nursing home injury attorneys with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation today.