Families often wish to care for their older loved ones only to find that they have their own limitations that make it difficult to provide the level of care their spouse, parent, or other family member needs without professional assistance. While a quality nursing home can provide residents with around-the-clock care in a compassionate and respectful manner, others have staffing, training, or other concerns that result in abuse or neglect, and families may find it difficult to recognize when it occurs.
If nursing home staff neglected your needs or the needs of your loved one and caused serious health issues, a Dallas dehydration lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable for your financial losses. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 842-6336 to discuss your case with our legal team.
Nursing Home Abuse in Texas
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), an estimated 1 in 10 older adults suffers from some form of abuse, and data shows an increasing trend in reporting. Unfortunately, Texas contributes to this statistic, as the state does not have a positive track record for the prevention of nursing home abuse and neglect.
ProPublica reports that, as of October 2020, Texas had a total of 1,216 homes. Nearly half of them had infection-related deficiencies, and more than 250 had serious deficiencies, which refer to conditions that put residents in “immediate jeopardy.” Of the 37 nursing homes in Dallas, only one had no deficiencies or fines.
Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, you and your loved ones have a right to receive quality care as a nursing home resident. Staff must provide for all medical, emotional, and social needs and do so in a manner that respects the dignity and autonomy of each resident. If you or a family member suffered nursing home abuse, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action.
Neglect in Nursing Homes
While abuse often leaves physical indicators, such as bruises or scars, families may find it more challenging to notice that their loved one suffers from neglect. Facilities often keep the mistreatment of their residents behind closed doors, so you would likely not observe it during a visit. According to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, neglect refers to the failure to care for a person in a manner that may cause them to suffer harm. Types of neglect include a lack of assistance with:
- Moving or repositioning in bed or a wheelchair
- Walking
- Eating and drinking
- Using the toilet
- Washing hands and bathing
- Participating in social activities
- Calls for help
In some instances, neglect can lead to serious health concerns, particularly if it takes place over an extended period of time. Dehydration, for example, can have dangerous or even deadly consequences. If your loved one suffered dehydration in a Dallas nursing home, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm online today with more information about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Dallas Dehydration Lawyer serving Dallas, call (800) 794-0444
Complications that May Result from Dehydration
The Mayo Clinic explains that dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. This means that your body does not have enough water for your cells to function, and it can lead to other problems. Older adults have less water in their bodies than younger adults and children, making them especially vulnerable to dehydration. Complications that may occur as a result of dehydration include:
- Heatstroke or other heat-related illness
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones, infections, and failure
- Seizures
- Hypovolemic shock caused by low blood volume
When nursing home staff fails to provide residents with adequate drinking water or does not provide assistance with drinking to those who need it, dehydration can occur rapidly.
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Signs of Dehydration in Older Adults
If your loved one tells you that they feel thirsty a lot or do not have regular access to drinking water, inform the nursing home administration right away, and monitor the issue. You also have a right to contact Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) about the incident. If your loved one cannot communicate and you suspect a potential problem, look for signs of dehydration such as:
- Extreme thirst
- Very dark urine
- Infrequent urination
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or confusion
After seeking immediate medical help for your loved one, you can contact an attorney to help you investigate the situation and hold the nursing home responsible.
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A Dallas Dehydration Lawyer Can Help You Establish Liability
If you or a loved one suffered dehydration in a Dallas nursing home, you may qualify for financial recovery for the damages that resulted. However, you must first prove the fault of the facility staff. A lawyer can help by demonstrating that their actions meet the four criteria for negligence:
- Nursing home staff had a duty of care to protect your loved one from preventable illness and injury.
- The staff breached their duty of care by acting in a reckless manner or by failing to act when necessary to avoid harm.
- The staff’s breach of duty led to your loved one’s dehydration and subsequent injuries.
- Your loved one’s condition resulted in the accumulation of significant damages.
After establishing liability, you can seek compensation in your case.
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Financial Awards in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home neglect often leads to serious illness or injury, and the emotional and financial toll may feel devastating to victims and their families, especially if you lose your loved one as a result of their mistreatment. Awards that you may receive can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, but they may include compensation for your medical care, relocation, and rehabilitation, as well as your pain and suffering. A Dallas dehydration lawyer can evaluate your damages and help you seek fair financial recovery.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today to Get Started on Your Case
Nursing homes have no excuse for providing residents with inadequate care. If you or a loved one suffered dehydration in a Dallas nursing home as a result of negligent staff, the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you pursue financial awards for your losses. We do not shy away from tough cases, and you do not owe us anything unless we achieve compensation in your favor. Contact our legal team today at (800) 842-6336 to discuss your free case evaluation.
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