Nursing facilities are responsible for providing all of the services and care that patients need to stay healthy. This includes providing food and water. Without enough water, nursing home patients can become dehydrated and experience a range of adverse health effects. It also means that your loved one may be neglected in the Miami nursing home in which they are residing.
If seniors are dehydrated, that likely means that they are not getting enough water when they need it. Their care providers should be able to deliver enough water to keep them hydrated. However, many nursing homes are understaffed, which may contribute to dehydration issues.
If your loved one is often dehydrated in the care of a nursing facility, you may be able to take legal action to address the situation. Your first step should probably be to consult with a legal representative’s office, like one with a Miami dehydration lawyer, to see your options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336 for a free consultation about your case.
Understanding Dehydration as Elder Neglect and Abuse
When the body does not have enough water or fluids to function properly, dehydration occurs. It is possible to become dehydrated in a variety of ways. As people sweat, they lose moisture content in their bodies. Not drinking enough water means that fluids are not replenishing within the body. You also get some amount of the liquids that your body needs through eating solid foods. Being deprived of a source of water can quickly lead to dehydration.
If your loved one is in a nursing care facility, there is no excuse for experiencing dehydration. The facility should be monitoring his or her medical condition(s) and making adjustments as necessary. This can be considered a form of neglect or elder abuse. Prolonged dehydration can cause other health effects. It can also be fatal. If you notice that your loved one is often dehydrated, it is time to take action to prevent serious injuries and other outcomes.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can be hard to identify, even by trained professionals. This is because the methods used to commit nursing home abuse are well-hidden, by design. You may not notice it unless you are specifically looking for it.
There are signs of abuse that you can look for to help you keep a better eye on your loved one’s care. Changes in personality can be a strong indicator of abuse. If your loved one begins to withdraw from social life, including social situations or social activities, this can be a sign that someone is abusing them. Fearing that they would inadvertently signal the abuse to someone else, they may pull away from everyone to make sure no one can find out.
Physical changes are also strong indicators of abuse. When seniors are being neglected, they begin to exhibit basic care problems.
- Hygiene begins to suffer
- They wear dirty clothes
- They have persistent body odor
- Their hair or nails are unkempt
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action as soon as possible. You are the best advocate for your loved one, and quick intervention to abuse can minimize its impact. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for how to retain a Miami dehydration lawyer, if need be.
For a free legal consultation with a Dehydration Lawyer serving Miami, call (800) 842-6336
Determining Liability
Liability will play an important role in your lawsuit. Dehydration can be somewhat tricky, depending on how the situation plays out. For example, medication errors can contribute to dehydration. The nursing facility that takes control of patients’ medications needs to be held liable for any error. However, patients can experience medication errors outside of care facilities as well.
Determining liability, essentially, comes down to determining who is responsible for what. Doctors can sometimes be held responsible for dehydration, but sometimes the care staff is the liable party. If the care staff did not receive adequate training or supervision, the nursing home could be held responsible, in turn.
Miami Dehydration Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
Keep the Statute of Limitations in Mind When Seeking Financial Awards
If your loved one experienced abuse in a nursing home, you might be able to take legal action on their behalf. There is nothing wrong with taking the time to think about what to do next, but you should be aware that there is a limited amount of time for you to respond.
Under civil law, a concept called the statute of limitations limits the amount of time that you have to file a lawsuit. According to Florida Statutes §429.296, you have up to two years from the incident date to file a lawsuit that includes personal injury claims. Nursing home abuse of any kind falls under the personal injury statute.
If you fail to file your lawsuit by the deadline, you may lose your chance to claim compensation from the abuser or the nursing home. Two years may seem like a lot of time, but it can pass quickly. Do not miss your opportunity to file a lawsuit by waiting too long to start the legal process. Discuss your case with legal representation to see your options and what your next steps should be.
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If your loved one is experiencing dehydration in the care of a nursing facility, he or she may be experiencing nursing home abuse. You may be able to take legal action to address the situation. Contact the offices of a Miami dehydration lawyer, such as Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336, for a free consultation about your case.
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