Have you or a family member experienced dehydration while in a Charleston, West Virginia, nursing home? At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, our Charleston dehydration lawyers are committed to standing up for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
For nearly two decades, we’ve been helping injury victims recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable—and we know how to get results. If you or a loved one has suffered due to nursing home mistreatment, reach out to our Charleston, West Virginia, office today for a free consultation. There’s no risk in calling, and we’re here to help you take the next step. You can contact us online or call (304) 720-1000.
How Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dehydration Injury in Charleston, WV
When neglect occurs, the responsible parties must be held accountable. Partnering with a skilled Charleston personal injury lawyer can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and find justice.
At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of securing the financial support you need to move forward.
When you choose our firm, we will:
- Carefully collect and analyze key evidence, including medical records, video footage, and witness accounts from staff
- Work with respected medical professionals to build a strong case
- Manage all communication with opposing attorneys
- Negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair resolution
- Prepare to bring your case to trial if a settlement isn’t possible
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us unless we win your case. Call our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is Dehydration?
According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, making it difficult for essential systems to function properly. If lost fluids aren’t replenished, dehydration sets in.
Older adults are especially at risk, as they naturally have lower water reserves in their bodies. Factors like medication use, illness, hot weather, vomiting, or diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration. In nursing homes, where residents depend on staff for proper care, even mild health issues can become dangerous if hydration isn’t closely monitored.
Dehydration may be a warning sign of neglect or abuse in a care facility. When that happens, it’s often up to loved ones to step in and ensure residents receive the care and protection they deserve.
Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to serious medical complications, including urinary tract infections, elevated blood pressure, seizures, organ damage, and even cognitive decline, such as dementia. In the most severe cases, it can result in wrongful death. That’s why early detection and treatment of dehydration are so important.
Common warning signs include:
- Dark, concentrated urine
- Reduced frequency of urination
- Severe fatigue
- Persistent thirst
- Mental confusion
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Mood changes or irritability
- Disorientation
- Excessive drowsiness
- Inability to retain fluids
- Stools that are black or contain blood
Because older adults often don’t feel thirst the same way younger people do—and may not recognize when they’re dehydrated—it’s critical that nursing home staff closely monitor their fluid intake. Residents must be able to rely on caregivers and facility administrators to keep them properly hydrated and safe from harm.
Causes of Dehydration in Nursing Homes
Dehydration in nursing homes is often the result of neglect. Many facilities are understaffed and lack the resources needed to give residents the consistent care they deserve.
Several factors that commonly contribute to dehydration in nursing home settings include:
- Staff fatigue and burnout
- Misdiagnosis of medical conditions that lead to fluid loss
- Incorrect or inappropriate medication use
- Poorly managed care schedules
- Inadequate nutrition
- Overburdened staff members
- Insufficient training of caregivers
When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect a high standard of care. If that standard isn’t met and it results in harm, the facility should be held responsible. Our team is committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that those at fault are held accountable.
Taking legal action may allow you to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and relocation costs if a new care facility is needed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in West Virginia?
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to nursing home neglect in West Virginia, it’s important to act quickly. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to nursing home abuse or neglect is generally two years from the date the injury or wrongful conduct occurred—or from the date it was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered.
This distinction is especially important in neglect cases, where signs of abuse may surface gradually or be hidden by facility staff. Missing the two-year deadline can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. Because nursing home cases often involve complex evidence and regulations, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer early to ensure your claim is thoroughly investigated and filed within the legal time frame.
Contact a Charleston Dehydration Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
Nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide proper care to their residents. When they fail in that duty and your loved one suffers from dehydration as a result, the facility must be held accountable.
Reach out to a Charleston dehydration attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to speak with our caring and experienced legal team. We’ll review your situation and offer guidance on what steps to take next. Your initial consultation is completely free—contact us today to get started.
