Can I File A Nursing Home Dehydration Lawsuit?

January 19th, 2024 | by RON BELL

Imagine being extremely thirsty for days and unable to do anything about it. Unfortunately, that’s a reality for some neglected Albuquerque nursing home residents. Elderly dehydration in nursing homes can severely affect a resident’s health, causing pain, functional impairment, and even kidney failure and death.

If you suspect that your loved one has suffered severe dehydration and malnutrition at the hands of a care facility, contact an Albuquerque nursing home abuse lawyer from our firm today.

Our legal team is available 24/7 to provide a free consultation.

505-898-BELL

Ring the Bell.

Our Commitment to Advocating for Nursing Home Dehydration Victims

At Ron Bell Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we recognize the gravity of late-stage dehydration while in the care of a nursing home and are committed to advocating for victims. Our legal team understands the unique challenges faced by elderly nursing home residents and seeks to hold accountable those responsible for neglect or inadequate care. If your loved one has suffered life threatening conditions or wrongful death due to a lack of proper hydration in a nursing home, contact us today. Our dedicated nursing home lawyers are here to provide the support and legal representation on your family member’s behalf needed to seek justice and recover compensation.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Dehydration

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of severe dehydration in a nursing home resident is important for ensuring timely intervention and avoiding major medical complications. Here are common indicators:

Dry Mouth and Lips: Dryness in the mouth and cracked or parched lips may be early signs of dehydration.

Dark Yellow Urine: Dark-colored urine can be an indication of concentrated urine and poor kidney function, suggesting insufficient fluids.

Decreased Urine Output: A significant decrease in the frequency of urination or noticeably smaller amounts of urine may signal dehydration.

Sunken Eyes: Eyes appearing sunken, or hollow can be a visible sign of dehydration.

Exacerbation of Kidney Disease Symptoms: Existing symptoms of kidney disease, such as swelling in the legs and ankles (edema), hypertension, and fatigue, may worsen with dehydration.

Dry Skin: Skin that feels dry, less elastic, or shows signs of flakiness may indicate a problem.

Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing: Not drinking fluids can lead to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss.

Sunken Fontanelle: In elderly people with thin skin, the soft spot on the top of the head (fontanelle) may appear sunken.

Difficulty Swallowing: Dehydration can cause dryness in the throat, leading to severe dysphagia.

Low Blood Pressure: Severe dehydration may result in low blood pressure, causing dizziness and fainting.

Poor Skin Turgor: Skin turgor refers to the skin’s ability to return to its normal shape after being pinched. Poor skin turgor may indicate dehydration.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Dehydration may be just one sign of nursing home residents being mistreated within a long-term care facility. There are five main types of elder abuse that frequently happen in nursing homes. Aside from neglect, other types of abuse include:

Physical abuse
Neglect
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Financial abuse

Your Legal Rights in Albuquerque: Filing a Nursing Home Dehydration Lawsuit

If a nursing home fails to provide adequate hydration to you or your loved one, you may have the legal right to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Don’t try to fight their insurance companies alone. Our Albuquerque personal injury law firm has extensive experience in nursing home neglect cases and can help you navigate the legal process. We fight for justice on behalf of your family, seeking maximum financial compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and wrongful death, if applicable.

What does a nursing home dehydration attorney do?

Our Albuquerque law firm understands the pain and suffering that nursing home residents and their families endure when mistreatment happens. Our nursing home abuse attorneys are well-versed in signs of elder neglect and the relevant federal and state laws governing nursing home care. We are able to investigate all forms of negligence and build a strong case against the facility and healthcare providers responsible. Here are a few specific ways we can help you with your case.

Gather medical records and other evidence
Interview witnesses
Consult medical experts
Assess the extent of the harm caused to their clients
Negotiate with the nursing home and its insurance companies for fair compensation
Take the case to court if necessary
Ensure you receive justice and appropriate financial recovery for medical expenses and pain and suffering

Ron Bell Injury Lawyers are dedicated to ensuring that your family member receives the care they deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a proven track record in representing families in Albuquerque. We work tirelessly to hold employees, caregivers, and healthcare facilities accountable for their actions and negligence.

Why choose Ron Bell Injury Lawyers for your nursing home neglect lawsuit?

Experienced Legal Team: Our seasoned personal injury lawyers have experience handling nursing home dehydration cases, ensuring the best possible outcome for your claim.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your case, uncovering important details to build a strong lawsuit.

No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay when we win your case, providing you peace of mind during this challenging time.

Highly Skilled in New Mexico Nursing Home Laws: Our legal team understands the complexities of nursing home neglect and abuse laws in New Mexico, advocating for the proper care and justice your loved one deserves.

Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

Our nursing home neglect lawyers in Albuquerque have successfully represented numerous families in Albuquerque nursing home abuse cases, and our testimonials speak to our dedication and commitment to our clients’ care.

“My dad was treated badly in a nursing home. We called Ron Bell, and they sent a representative to get us started. The services are great, and they really explained everything clearly. Everybody we have spoken with has been really helpful. I would recommend Ron Bell Injury Lawyers.”

Johnny R. – Albuquerque, NM

“My aunt was in a skilled nursing facility. She was neglected and had a couple of unexplained falls. Ron Bell’s law firm was called. They sent out a representative to start paperwork and get things started. They were very friendly and explained everything to us. I am very satisfied with services we have received.”

Crestina B. – Albuquerque, NM

“My mother was in a nursing home, they did not take good care of her. She was assaulted, and finally I had to take her out of that facility. She was traumatized. I called Ron Bell. I am very satisfied with the help the firm has provided me to get justice for my mom.”

Michelle R. – Albuquerque, NM

Take action today with a free consultation. Contact Ron Bell Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque at 505-898-BELL, day or night, 365 days a year, to discuss your case and take the first step to achieving justice. Together, let’s build a future where nursing home negligence is replaced by a compassionate, caring, and respectful environment for our seniors.

Additional Resources

Articles and Studies about Nursing Home Dehydration

Factors contributing to dehydration in nursing homes: inadequate staffing and lack of professional supervision (National Library of Medicine)

Dehydration Plays Key Role in Nursing Home Death (Nurse.com)

FAQs About Nursing Home Dehydrations Lawsuits

Please note that while this information provides a general overview, it’s critical to consult with a legal professional from Ron Bell Injury Lawyers for advice tailored to your specific situation.

What is a nursing home dehydration lawsuit?

A lawsuit happens when someone files a legal case because a nursing home resident suffered from dehydration due to the facility’s negligence. The person filing the lawsuit claims that the nursing home didn’t give enough fluids, didn’t keep track of the resident’s drinking enough, or didn’t respond properly to signs of dehydration.

What types of negligence can lead to lawsuits related to improper hydration?

Here are some common factors contributing to why dehydration lawsuits may be filed against nursing homes:

Neglect of Hydration Needs: The nursing staff failed to provide residents with an adequate amount of water or fluids.

Inadequate Monitoring: Claims that the facility did not monitor residents’ fluid intake properly, leading to dehydration.

Ignoring Signs of Dehydration: The nursing home did not recognize or respond promptly to signs of dehydration in residents, such as dry skin, confusion, or dark urine.

Insufficient Staff Training: The staff and nursing assistants lacked proper training in identifying and addressing dehydration risks.

Inadequate Staffing: A nursing home staff shortage contributed to neglecting nursing home patients’ hydration needs, as there wasn’t enough professional supervision to attend to everyone adequately.

Medication Mismanagement and Adverse Drug Effects: Food and drug interactions affecting hydration levels were not administered correctly or were overlooked, contributing to dehydration.

Lack of Hydration Plans: The facility did not have proper hydration plans in place for residents with specific needs, such as those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments.

Poor Record-Keeping: The nursing home failed to maintain accurate records related to residents’ hydration plans and status.

How can families prove severe dehydration?

Proving the dehydration of an elderly loved one in a nursing home can be challenging, but there are several steps family members can take to gather evidence and support their case. Here are some examples:

Documenting Signs of Dehydration: Observe and document any visible signs of dehydration in the nursing home patient, such as severe thirst, difficulty swallowing, dry skin, sunken eyes, confusion, dizziness, or dark urine. Take photographs if possible, as visual evidence can be compelling.

Preserving Physical Evidence: Keep any containers or documentation related to water and fluids, especially if there are indications that your loved one’s access to water was restricted or inadequate.

Maintaining a Journal: Keep a daily journal of fluids and include information about the staff’s responsiveness to your concerns and requests for increased hydration.

Communicating With Staff: Engage in open communication with the nursing home staff. Ask about their hydration protocols, express concerns, and inquire about the measures they are taking to ensure residents receive enough fluids. Document these conversations.

Medical Records: Request and review your loved one’s medical records, focusing on entries related to urine output, hydration levels, and any medical conditions such as urinary tract infections. Note any discrepancies or omissions.

Seeking Second Opinions: Expert opinions from medical professionals can serve as valuable evidence in demonstrating the presence of dehydration.

Speaking with Other Residents and Families: Speak to other residents or their families who may have observed your loved one’s hydration status. Gather statements, if possible, that support your concerns.

Maintaining a Timeline: Create a timeline of events related to your loved one’s stay in the nursing home, highlighting instances of concern. A chronological record can help illustrate patterns and provide context for any legal proceedings.

Contacting Authorities: Report suspected abuse or neglect right away to Albuquerque law enforcement at 505-242-COPS (or 911 in an emergency) and New Mexico’s Adult Protective Services Statewide Intake toll-free at 1-866-654-3219. They can conduct investigations.

Consulting a Nursing Neglect Lawyer: Seek advice from an experienced attorney with Ron Bell Injury Lawyers. Our team has years of experience handling elder abuse and negligence cases and can guide you on the best course of action.

Remember, communication and documentation are key. The more detailed information you can gather, the stronger your case becomes.

What damages can be recovered?

Damages in nursing home abuse lawsuits related to an inadequate fluid intake may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and, in cases of wrongful death, funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

How long do I have to file a nursing home dehydration lawsuit in New Mexico?

The procedure of filing a lawsuit against a nursing facility should begin as soon as feasible. If you want to pursue a nursing home neglect claim, the first step is to contact a personal injury lawyer who handles nursing home abuse cases. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers can assist you in filing a complaint against the Albuquerque nursing home or its employees.

This complaint is a legal document that contains a lot of information, such as:

An explanation of the victim’s injuries
Facts about the occurrences of abuse that are relevant
The names of the parties involved

It also helps other elderly patients avoid being abused or neglected in the future. Nursing home facilities that have been sued may alter their policies in order to improve the quality of treatment and avoid more litigation.

However, if you wait too long after the abuse occurs, you may not be able to pursue legal action. Statutes of limitations prohibit lawsuits from being launched after a specified period of time has passed. The statute of limitations on reporting elder abuse in New Mexico is three (3) years. Our personal injury attorneys can assist you in meeting these deadlines.

Should I hire an attorney for a nursing home dehydration lawsuit?

It is highly recommended to hire one of our experienced Albuquerque attorneys from Ron Bell Injury Lawyers for nursing home abuse and neglect cases. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and represent your interests in court.

How long does a nursing home neglect lawsuit typically take to resolve?

The duration of a lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case and the legal process. Some cases may settle out of court quickly, while others could take several months or even years to reach a resolution, especially if they go to trial.