Why Choose Our Dehydration and Malnutrition Lawyers in Atlanta?
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities hold a position of trust and responsibility. Families place their loved ones in these facilities with the expectation that they will receive the utmost care, including proper nutrition and hydration. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. At Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, our mission is to shed light on this pressing concern and guide you through the legal avenues available to seek justice when your loved one’s well-being has gone through nursing home abuse in Atlanta or neglected in a assisted living facility.
Signs and Consequences of Dehydration and Malnutrition
Dehydration and malnutrition in assisted living homes are complex problems that happen too often and need to be resolved for the safety of residents. Recognizing the signs of dehydration and malnutrition is the first step in addressing this issue effectively. Physical signs of dehydration often manifest as dry skin, cracked lips, sunken eyes, and reduced urine output. Similarly, signs of malnutrition can be unexplained weight loss, brittle nails, and hair loss.
As for the physical consequences of dehydration and malnutrition, severe dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney issues, and in extreme cases, organ failure. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, making residents vulnerable to infections and fractures.
Finally, along with the physical consequences of malnutrition and dehydration, there are the emotional and psychological effects of these conditions, including emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
Liability for Malnutrition and Dehydration in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities owe a fundamental duty of care to their residents. This involves ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, addressing a resident’s specific dietary needs, and monitoring them for signs of dehydration and malnutrition.
State and federal legal regulations and guidelines set standards for resident care. Facilities are obligated to comply with these rules. If a nursing home or assisted living facility breaches its legal responsibilities, and a resident suffers harm as a result of malnutrition and dehydration, the facility can be held civilly liable for the victim’s injuries and related losses.
Proving Negligence in a Dehydration and Malnutrition Lawsuit
To establish negligence on the part of a nursing home or assisted living facility for malnutrition or dehydration suffered by a resident, we must prove that the facility and its staff breached their duty to provide proper nutrition and hydration. This will require evidence such as:
- Eyewitness accounts
- The testimony of experts in the field of nutrition and elder care
- Records of the care the residents receive in the facility, including what they were fed and how frequently
- The resident’s medical records
Each piece of evidence can strengthen the case against the negligent facility. Our experienced dehydration and malnutrition lawyers in Atlanta know how to scrutinize these records to build a compelling claim for compensation.
Potential Damages for Malnutrition and Dehydration in a Nursing Home
Victims of dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related damages. In addition, victims may be awarded punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter others from engaging in the same or similar negligent behavior.
Pursuing a Dehydration and Malnutrition Claim Against a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
Pursuing a claim or lawsuit against a nursing home or assisted living facility begins with consulting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney from our law firm. From there, we will work to gather evidence, negotiate with the facility, and, if necessary, take the case to court to recover the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team’s expertise in nursing home abuse and neglect cases equips us to navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients. With years of experience, our firm has successfully represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, securing justice for countless families.
Contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates
Our personal injury lawyers at Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, has a proven track record of securing compensation for victims of nursing home neglect. We understand the emotional toll these cases take on families. Our compassionate approach ensures that clients feel supported every step of the way. If you suspect a loved one has suffered from dehydration or malnutrition in a care facility in Atlanta, contact us today at 770-865-8654 or reach us online for a free consultation.