Dehydration in Elderly Nursing Home Patients
Dehydration is a serious condition that can cause illness and even death. Unfortunately, dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes happen at a staggering rate. A recent study found that 97.5% of the nursing home residents evaluated drank less than the recommended amount of fluid. It also determined that 67.5% had illnesses or conditions that may have been related to dehydration.
If you or your loved one has suffered from dehydration in a nursing home, our California personal injury lawyers at Johnson Attorneys Group are here for you. We can help you find a doctor even if you do not have medical insurance, and assist you in pursuing financial compensation for your injuries. We don’t charge any legal fees unless we successfully settle or win your case. Give us a call today at 1-800-208-3538 to schedule a free case evaluation from a nursing home neglect attorney.
Signs of Dehydration in Elderly
Electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration can impact cardiac status, renal impairment, and mental deterioration. Other symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Fever
- Decreased urine output
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Depression
Causes of Dehydration in Nursing Homes
Dehydration in nursing home residents may be caused by several factors, including:
- Insufficient staff for the number of residents
- Unqualified and/or overworked attendants
- Poor supervision
- Elevated temperatures
- Medications such as diuretics, laxatives and steroids
- Medical conditions including Alzheimer’s and other dementia, depression, stroke, diabetes, urinary incontinence, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and Parkinson’s Disease
- A resident’s inability to identify when they are thirsty (a natural consequence of aging for some)
- Language barriers
California Nursing Home Negligence Laws
Under the California Health and Safety Code and other regulations, nursing homes have specific responsibilities to residents, known as Duty of Care. These include providing all residents with enough fluid to maintain proper hydration and health. When a nursing home fails to do this, and this failure causes injury or death, the nursing home may be legally liable for damages. There are also cases where dehydration may have been caused by faulty equipment or an improperly maintained facility, in which case product or premises liability may apply. As part of evaluating your case, our personal injury attorneys can assist in determining who may be liable.
What Type of Compensation is Available?
If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of dehydration in a nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation. The type and amount depend largely on the cause of the injury. There are maximum penalties for injuries caused by professional negligence on the part of a nursing home. However, if it is determined that another cause is to blame – such as willful misconduct, abuse, or negligence on the part of an entity that is not a licensed healthcare provider – these limits do not apply. If it can be proven that the conduct of the wrongdoer was fraudulent, malicious or despicable, the sufferer is also entitled to recover punitive damages. The amount of such damages depends on the severity of the misconduct and the defendant’s economic status.
Our Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get the Maximum Recovery for Your Nursing Home Injury
Have you or your loved one suffered from dehydration in a nursing home? Our California injury lawyers at Johnson Attorneys Group can help you get the compensation you deserve. Nursing home chains and insurance companies employ armies of investigators, experts, and other professionals to protect their “bottom line.” Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who have recovered millions for our clients over the past several years alone. Call our office today for a free evaluation of your case. We have 12 locations in California and are available 24/7 to serve you. Hablamos Espanol.
