Oregon Malnutrition Lawyers - Bend/Portland, OR

One of the most underrated but critical functions of a nursing home is nutrition based services.  While most people consider nursing homes to be a place to render important medical care and treatment such as wound care, medication regimens, and rehabilitation services, all of these supports would fail if a resident does not receive the proper nutrition.  In fact, malnutrition could accelerate, worsen, and even cause deterioration in an otherwise healthy resident.  Nursing homes must not only be cognizant of their meal plans and how they ensure proper nutrition to residents, but staff must also monitor individual residents to ensure that they are properly hydrated and receiving proper nutrition.  Our Oregon malnutrition lawyers know that nursing homes which fail to ensure proper nutrition of residents could be liable for nursing home malpractice.

Malnourished residents may have a claim under Oregon law and federal regulations against nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.  This is because Oregon law, particularly common law or judge-made law, require nursing homes and hospitals to provide proper care and treatment to residents which includes proper nourishment and hydration.  There are also federal regulations which more specifically provide what nutritional and hydration requirements residents must receive.  The failure to comply with either Oregon law or federal regulations could result in liability for a nursing home, rehabilitation center, hospital, or other facility is residents suffer injuries due to malnutrition.

Dangers of Malnutrition in a Nursing Home

Nutrition is the bedrock foundation for proper health.  Failing to have proper nutrition makes an individual more susceptible to health complications.  This is especially true for residents in nursing homes who are either being rehabilitated or who are fighting conditions, diseases, or trying to regain strength.  Residents who are injured in nursing home due to malnutrition may suffer the following ailments or damages:

• Pneumonia;
• Heart complications;
• Stroke, especially due to dehydration;
• Extreme fatigue;
• Loss of muscle mass, fat, and other body tissue;
• Delayed healing and worsening of conditions;
• Infections at healing sites;
• Cognitive dysfunction;
• Abdominal distress; 
• Wrongful death; and
• Other complications.

Liability for Malnutrition in Oregon Nursing Homes

Residents in nursing homes who are malnourished or dehydrated may be victims of Oregon nursing home malpractice.  Nutrition is a critical component of nursing home care and residents who are face malnutrition could be worse off in the nursing home than back home.  There are many ways that a nursing home could be liable for nursing home malpractice due to malnutrition.  Some of the most common negligent acts or omissions by a nursing home our Oregon malnutrition lawyers handle include the following:

• Improper and inadequate nutrition plans;
• Failing to assist frail or injured residents with eating and drinking, including spending an inadequate time with frail or injured residents (rushing);
• Neglecting special dietary needs such as allergies, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, vegan, and other diets;
• Not charting food intake and fluid intake/output for each individual resident, especially residents who are frail and dependent on a higher level of care;
• Neglecting residents by not getting them food or drink, or ignoring their needs and requests;
• Failing to use IVs or feeding tubes when residents are unable to eat or drink normally;
• Failing to refer residents who stop eating or drinking to a specialist or doctor; and
• Many other causes of action.

Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes is a Warning Sign

Victims who are injured by Oregon nursing home malpractice due to an improper or inadequate nutrition routine should contact our Oregon malnutrition lawyers to protect their rights.  Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are charged with the proper and adequate nutrition of residents and must ensure that they are being properly cared for in all facets of their lives.  This includes nutrition and hydration because residents are completely dependent on the care and support from the nursing home to provide for them. 

But when there is malnutrition and dehydration issues with a nursing home, it is typically a warning sign for other substandard and negligent care in a nursing home.  The largest issue could be with understaffing or improperly trained or hired staff.  There could be other state law or federal regulatory violations which could also put residents in grave danger.  Thus, if a nursing home cannot properly feed and hydrate residents, it is a huge red flag that they are probably not doing other, more complicated tasks properly either.

Bend/Portland, Oregon Malnutrition Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect contact the Oregon Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.  

We handle cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.  

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Nursing Home Abuse cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.  

Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.