If your elderly loved one is throwing up and resides in a nursing home, they must see a doctor as soon as possible. When elderly people vomit, it can signal an underlying problem and further complicate existing health conditions.
You and your loved one trust the nursing home staff to provide the best care possible. Patients age 65 and older who begin vomiting face a greater risk for complications than others. The elderly are especially vulnerable to viruses and infections due to their low immune systems and chronic health issues.
If a nursing home failed to seek immediate medical attention for your loved one after throwing up, resulting in additional health problems – or possibly death – a nursing home lawyer may be able to help you.
The Dangers of Elderly Vomiting and Dehydration
One main reason that elderly people should go to the doctor for throwing up is the risk of dehydration. The Mayo Clinic confirms that dehydration is especially dangerous for older adults.
Some nursing home residents have a diminished ability to remain dehydrated. The use of medications and not drinking enough fluids also place residents at risk for possible dehydration. When a resident starts to vomit, the risk of dehydration increases even more.
Some of the dangers associated with the elderly and dehydration include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney problems, including stones, kidney failure
- Seizures
- Hypovolemic shock
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia in the elderly is especially dangerous and another reason they should see a doctor after throwing up. Pneumonia is one of the most common infections in elderly patients and is more likely to be fatal due to their decreased heart and lung function.
No matter what causes the vomiting, it is important to see a doctor within 48 hours of the first symptom. Other dehydration symptoms to watch for in addition to vomiting include:
- Chills
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
If your elderly loved one developed pneumonia or any condition associated with dehydration and did not go to the doctor after throwing up in a nursing home, do not delay in getting them help. You may want to seek legal help to seek compensation for a loved one’s pain and suffering.
Hold the Nursing Home Accountable
Vomiting is a serious signal that something is wrong. Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide a certain standard of care for their residents and should know when to consult a doctor after an elderly patient throws up. When they fail to act quickly in response to an elderly resident who is vomiting, they place the resident at risk for dangerous complications and possibly death.
The elderly population is among the nation’s most vulnerable and all residents deserve quality care – regardless of their health.
No nursing home resident should experience new health complications due to vomiting that did not get addressed immediately. Staffing shortages and untrained staff are no excuse for not seeking medical attention for your loved one without delay.
An insurance company may offer you a low settlement in order to settle your case quickly. We recommend that you do not accept it. By doing so, you can lose the right to pursue civil litigation later if your loved one’s condition worsens.
If your loved one passed away due to nursing home negligence, you may be entitled to filing a wrongful death claim. While each case is different, examples of possible compensation include funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and more.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 842-6336
Contact Your Nursing Home Lawyer
If a nursing home failed your loved one, consider discussing your case with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. We offer free case evaluations, and there are no fees upfront unless we collect compensation for you.
Your loved one did not deserve to experience further health complications due to a negligent nursing home. If this happened to your loved one, fight for justice. A nursing home has a responsibility to use a proactive approach in seeking medical attention for residents. By pursuing a personal injury case or a wrongful death case, you may just prevent the same thing from happening to another family.
The time for filing your case is subject to the statute of limitations in your state. If you had to relocate your loved one to a new nursing home due to negligence – or your loved one died as a result of neglect – call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now at (800) 842-6336.
Call or text (800) 842-6336 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
