If you have recently visited with a loved one staying in a nursing home and noticed that they are rapidly losing weight or suffering from hair loss, it could be an indicator that something is wrong with the standard of care they are receiving.
Without prompt intervention, unexplained weight and hair loss could be signs of malnutrition, which can have devastating effects on a vulnerable older person’s lifespan. In some tragic cases, it can be fatal.
If you notice any of these red flags, you can seek help from a New York City rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer. It could mean the nursing home is failing to provide the proper level of care for its residents, causing serious harm through a breach of its lawful duties. You may be entitled to pursue compensation on behalf of your loved one to make their situation better.
Find out if you have a claim today and could benefit from a free case evaluation by calling the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
The Devastating Effects of Malnutrition in Vulnerable Older People
Often, older people have pre-existing health conditions that limit their physical or cognitive functions, so they are dependent to a high degree on the staff employed by the nursing homes to provide for their needs. Receiving adequate nutrition is vital in elderly care to reduce further risk of illness or injury—or mortality.
Unfortunately, worrying statistics indicate that elderly people residing in long-term healthcare facilities are at “particular risk for abuse and neglect,” in long term care settings, according to a report from the National Research Council (US).
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, which reports on developments within those fields, found that malnutrition in the nursing home setting affects nearly 20 percent of all residents. When vulnerable people are denied adequate intake of nutrition and fluids, they become prone to a host of debilitating health conditions, including:
- Increased risk of falls and severe fractures from weakened bones
- Damage and weakness of the skin that can result in bedsores
- Depression and anxiety
- Increased risk of contracting infection and disease from weakened immune systems
- Night blindness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mental confusion
- Constant tiredness or irritability
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Hair loss or dull and dry hair
- Dry eyes and skin
- Poor wound healing
- Unintentional weight loss and lack of appetite
If you notice any of the above, it could be indicative that your loved one is not receiving the proper standard of care owed to them legally by the nursing home and the staff who work there. This could be because there are staff shortages that lead to infrequent mealtimes or insufficient staff training to feed residents with special needs such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sight or hearing problems
- Behavioral issues from dementia
It can be devastating to discover your loved one is suffering from neglect. If you are worried, you may find it worthwhile to seek help from a New York City rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer as soon as you can. Most firms will offer a free case evaluation at no cost to you.
Get Help From a New York City Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer
Proving that a loved one’s deterioration could only have occurred through the negligent actions of the nursing home can be one of the most challenging and difficult aspects of litigation in such cases. Having a lawyer to support you throughout this difficult time can be beneficial, especially in cases where:
- Victims have problems communicating due to physical or cognitive impairments from conditions such as stroke or Alzheimer’s.
- There is little or inadequate documentation of a resident’s nutritional intake by the nursing care staff.
- Nursing home administrators fail to provide requested information and stall the discovery process.
It is important to note that you only have a limited time in which to file a claim for negligence under state law. If your loved one is suffering harm stemming from substandard care, it can be beneficial to seek advice as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline and allow maximum time to build a detailed case.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can use their resources and knowledge of New York law to help you overcome these challenges. They can help you to pursue compensation to assist your loved one to rehabilitate and meet any future medical costs incurred because of the negligence.
If you work with us, you can expect an investigation into your loved one’s care as we can:
- Provide access to medical professionals who can offer expert testimony of the signs of malnutrition.
- Gather vital evidence from blood test reports that check for low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as urine sample results that measure nutritional deficiencies.
- Review visual examinations from a doctor to identify signs of malnutrition.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be other damages that could be compensated, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, or covering the costs of relocation to a new care facility. To find out more, contact us today for a free case review with a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm team member.
For a free legal consultation with a New York City Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer serving New York City, call (800) 794-0444
Help Your Loved One to Rehabilitate with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at Your Side
As one of our society’s most vulnerable populations, the elderly should be afforded the dignity and care they are entitled to when entrusting their care to a nursing home facility.
When such facilities fall short of their legal obligations and deliver substandard care that results in harm, injury, or in some tragic cases, death, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can protect your loved one’s best interests and seek the compensation they deserve. Contact a team member today to discuss your options.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
