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South Carolina Nursing Home Malnutrition & Dehydration Lawyers Counsel Victims and Families
There is no excuse for nursing home residents who suffer from malnutrition
Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems in nursing homes. Residents rely on nursing homes and staff to nourish them properly. They simply cannot walk to the refrigerator and make their own meals. While nursing homes are required to have proper cooking and food facilities, and to train their staff on the care of patients, too many nursing homes fail or neglect to feed their residents regular and healthy meals.
Our South Carolina nursing home malnutrition lawyers know why residents are not fed properly and determine how and why the abuse or neglect occurred. We know what signs of malnutrition and dehydration to look for, the appropriate medical treatments, and the medical problems that can arise. Proper nutrition and hydration is essential. Every nursing home knows it is one of their prime duties. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, holds nursing homes that do not nourish their patients responsible for their neglect and abuse.
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Signs of malnutrition and dehydration
There are many signs of poor nutrition that family members should know and which our lawyers investigate. Dry skin and weight loss are signs of both malnutrition and dehydration. Some of the more common symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration are:
Malnutrition
- Reduced muscle mass
- Swollen lips, gums, and tongue, as well as lower leg swelling
- Nails that are brittle or do not form properly
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bone and joint pain
Dehydration
- Mouth sores
- Urinary tract Infections
- Pales lips or a pale mouth
- Thinning hair
- Constipation
Complications from malnutrition and dehydration
Both malnutrition and dehydration can lead to serious or even deadly problems if they are not treated properly. Some of the known injuries a South Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer at our firm will investigate in terms of neglect include:
- Infections and an inability to fight diseases
- Weakness, which can cause falls
- Diseases such as pneumonia
- Fever
- Anemia
- Organ failure
- Depression
- Cardiac problems
- Death
In most cases, malnutrition is due to neglect or poor planning. Understaffing is a common cause. Poor staff training is another. Staff should be trained to pay attention to residents who need help eating and digesting their food. Staff should also be trained on nutrition basics to make sure residents get a proper amount of nutrients and calories.
Contact a South Carolina attorney if a loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration
Family members who suspect their loved one or friend has the signs of poor nutrition should consult with an experienced South Carolina nursing home malnutrition and dehydration attorney. The lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have been helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect for years. We investigate your case, speak with witnesses, review video, subpoena records, and request extensive discovery to determine why the lack of nutrition happened and how it should have been prevented. We work with doctors who conduct blood tests to accurately determine a patient's health.
Please phone 803-327-7800 to speak with a lawyer for free or complete our contact form. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. Our firm has locations in Anderson, Columbia, Georgetown, Rock Hill, and Sumter