Has your parent or another family member suffered from dehydration while living in a nursing home in Columbus, Georgia? Dehydration can quickly become a serious health issue, especially for older adults who rely on staff for fluids and daily care. If you believe neglect contributed to your loved one’s condition, contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm at (706) 940-4030 for a free consultation with a Columbus nursing home dehydration lawyer.
Attorney Mark Casto has 26 years of experience helping injured people and their families. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients throughout Georgia and can help you understand what options are available to your family.
How Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help With a Nursing Home Dehydration Case in Columbus, GA
Families trust nursing homes to look after loved ones who may no longer be able to care for themselves. Finding out that a parent, grandparent, or other relative became dangerously dehydrated can leave you wondering whether the facility provided the attention they needed.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can investigate what happened and determine whether there is evidence of nursing home neglect.
A Columbus personal injury lawyer at our firm can help by:
- Obtaining medical and nursing home records
- Reviewing available hydration, fluid intake, and care records
- Investigating the facility’s staffing and care practices
- Interviewing employees, residents, family members, and other witnesses
- Consulting appropriate medical professionals when necessary
- Identifying parties that may be responsible for your loved one’s injuries
- Calculating the losses associated with the harm
- Negotiating with insurers and other responsible parties
- Preparing a lawsuit when litigation becomes necessary
Nursing home cases in Columbus, Georgia, can involve extensive records and difficult questions about the care a resident should have received. Contact our Columbus nursing home abuse attorney today for a free consultation.
Why Is Dehydration Dangerous for Columbus Nursing Home Residents?
Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluid than they take in, leaving the body without enough water and other fluids to function properly. Older adults can be especially vulnerable because the sensation of thirst may decrease with age.
Certain health conditions can increase the risk. For example, residents with difficulty swallowing, limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea may need extra help getting enough fluids.
Medications can also affect fluid balance. When nursing home employees know that a resident is at greater risk of dehydration, careful monitoring and an appropriate care plan can be especially important.
Severe dehydration can become a medical emergency. Families who notice a sudden or significant change in a resident’s condition should make sure their loved one receives appropriate medical attention.
What Complications Can Severe Dehydration Cause?
Water is essential to nearly every major function of the human body. When an older adult becomes severely dehydrated, their health can deteriorate quickly.
Potential complications can include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney problems
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Confusion or delirium
- Weakness
- Falls
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Hypovolemic shock
The consequences can be especially serious for residents who are already dealing with chronic illnesses or other health concerns. Dehydration may worsen an existing condition and make recovery more difficult.
In the most serious cases, complications associated with dehydration can be fatal. If your loved one died after experiencing severe dehydration and you suspect inadequate care played a role, your family may want to explore whether a wrongful death claim is available.
What Compensation Is Available for Nursing Home Dehydration in Columbus?
There is no standard amount of compensation for a nursing home dehydration case. What may be available depends on what happened, how seriously the resident was harmed, and the effect the injury had on their life.
A resident who recovers after receiving prompt treatment may have very different losses from someone who requires hospitalization or develops lasting complications.
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalization costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Costs associated with additional care
- Other losses resulting from the resident’s injuries
Cases involving a resident’s death may involve different damages. The compensation available will depend on the circumstances and applicable Georgia law.
A Columbus nursing home dehydration attorney can look at the full impact of the resident’s condition and determine what damages may be appropriate to pursue.
How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Dehydration Lawsuit in Georgia?
Deadlines apply to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia. In many personal injury cases, Georgia law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations.
However, the deadline in a nursing home case should not be assumed without reviewing the specific circumstances. The type of claim, when the injury occurred, and other factors may affect how much time is available.
There is another reason not to wait too long. Records may become harder to find, employees may leave the facility, and witnesses may have difficulty remembering important details as more time passes.
An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s dehydration and determine which deadlines may apply to the case.
Contact Our Columbus Nursing Home Dehydration Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When you help a loved one move into a nursing home, you expect the facility to provide the everyday care they can no longer manage on their own. That includes something as basic and essential as making sure they receive enough fluids.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm represents injured people and families in nursing home abuse cases throughout Georgia. Attorney Mark Casto brings extensive experience to each case and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
If you believe inadequate care contributed to your loved one’s dehydration, reach out to us today for a free consultation. Our Columbus nursing home dehydration attorney is ready to answer your questions.
