Nursing home abuse lawsuits are becoming more frequent each year. It is difficult to believe that the staff of a nursing home would be negligent toward their elderly patients, however, many health conditions are at-risk of being overlooked in a substandard care environment. It is important for loved ones of residents to remain alert for any indications that abuse may be occurring. The failure of a nursing home's staff to recognize and treat a patient suffering from dehydration is one typical shortcoming.
The staff of a live-in care facility is responsible for ensuring that patients receive sufficient liquid to remain adequately hydrated. At any age dehydration can cause serious illness, but dehydration in the elderly can cause much more severe conditions. For minor dehydration, headaches and dizziness may occur. Increased dehydration may brin a dangerous fluctuation in body temperature, a weakened immune system, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Family members and loved ones may recognize the condition by observing that a patient's eyes appear to be sunken, or possibly by noticing a slight change in character. Confusion can be a sign that a serious illness is occurring due to the lack of necessary liquids in the body.
Although they can't reverse the sad conditions that have resulted from nursing home abuse, a medical malpractice attorney may be able to assist in holding a negligent facility accountable for the harm it has done. If reported, the parties at fault may be heavily fined or even lose their license. Courts do not tend to take nursing home abuse lightly.
Contact the Des Moines medical malpractice attorneys of LaMarca & Landry, P.C., to learn more about your legal rights in this tragic situation.
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