Chicago Nursing Home Malnutrition Lawyer

Helping Victims of Malnutrition in Chicago Nursing Homes Recover Compensation

A Chicago nursing home malnutrition lawyer from the Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents who suffer from neglect and inadequate care. 

Malnutrition is a serious and preventable issue in many Illinois nursing home facilities, often signaling deeper problems with staffing and oversight. If your loved one is showing signs of malnutrition, it may be time to take legal action to ensure their safety and well-being. Our firm holds negligent facilities accountable and fights for the justice your family deserves.

Nursing Home Malnutrition Settlements – Justice for Victims

Obtaining justice for victims of nursing home malnutrition or other food-related injuries in nursing facilities is an important step toward accountability and protection. Here are some settlements we’ve achieved for our clients:   

• $1,250,000: Choking wrongful death claim settled before litigation.  
• $815,000: A nursing home was sued after staff ignored dietary orders and served a stroke victim a hot dog, leading to a fatal choking incident.  
• $400,000: Settlement for a food allergy incident at a hospital.

Understanding Malnutrition in Illinois Nursing Homes

In nursing homes in Illinois, malnutrition happens when residents don’t get the nutrients they need, leading to serious health problems. Often, elderly residents require specific dietary plans. 

When nursing homes fail to meet these nutritional requirements, it can be considered a form of neglect or abuse. Ensuring proper nourishment is essential for maintaining health and well-being. If neglected, residents can suffer significantly.  

Common Causes of Malnutrition in a Chicago Nursing Home

Malnutrition in Chicago nursing homes can arise from several common issues: 

Neglect by Caregivers: Failing to provide proper nutrition is a frequent oversight that can lead to severe health issues.

Dental and Swallowing Problems: Ill-fitting dentures or difficulty swallowing can hinder food intake, making it hard for nursing home patients to get the nutrients they need. 

Unmonitored Dietary Needs: Not keeping track of residents’ dietary preferences and requirements can contribute to nutritional deficiencies.

Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, cancer, celiac disease, dementia, and Crohn’s disease can impair nutrient absorption and complicate dietary management.

Social Isolation: Feeling alone or detached can reduce appetite, leading to inadequate food consumption.

Staff Shortages: Lack of adequate nursing home staff members may result in missed meals or improper feeding practices, impacting nursing home residents’ well-being.  

If you notice that a loved one is experiencing nursing home malnutrition and believe it may be due to nursing home neglect, it’s important to take action right away.  

How Malnutrition Contributes to Chicago Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home malnutrition greatly affects nursing home patients, making them more susceptible to harm. Here’s what this can look like: 

• When a resident is malnourished, they have weaker skin and less padding, increasing their chance of bedsores.
• Without essential nutrients, the body’s immune responses suffer, leaving residents more prone to illnesses and infections.
• Poor nutrition leads to muscle weakness and reduced bone density, making falls and broken bones more likely.
• Lack of proper nutrients can harm brain function, causing confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive problems.
• Malnourished individuals often need more time to recover from injuries or operations, putting them at risk for serious complications.

Nursing homes are legally required to prevent these issues by ensuring residents receive adequate nutrition and care. If the nursing home violated this duty, older adults have legal recourse. 

Warning Signs That Your Loved One Is Suffering from Malnutrition

Recognizing the warning signs of malnutrition in nursing home residents can help you take action. Below are some of the common signs.

• Significant or unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating 
• Swollen gums or tooth decay
• Dry skin, hair loss, or changes in skin color  
• Loss of appetite
• Depression or social withdrawal 

If your loved one shows these signs, it might indicate home abuse and nursing home negligence related to malnutrition.

Dehydration and Malnutrition: A Deadly Combination 

Nursing home malnutrition and dehydration often go hand in hand. When residents experience malnutrition and dehydration, it can cause serious harm to the human body and mind:     

• Extreme fatigue and confusion
• Dry mouth, cracked lips, and glassy eyes  
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Frequent headaches 
• Dizziness 
• Severe weight loss 
• Muscle weakness 
• Urinary tract infections 
• Kidney failure  

Both severe dehydration and malnutrition need urgent medical care to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.    

Legal Options for Families Affected by Chicago Nursing Home Malnutrition

If your loved one has experienced nursing home malnutrition and dehydration in a Chicago nursing home, there are legal options available to you. Our law firm is dedicated to representing families in nursing home negligence cases.  

You could have a valid claim if your loved one’s nursing home malnutrition or dehydration is a result of staff neglect, inadequate dietary planning, or failure to monitor eating and hydration. Additionally, failing to recognize and address complications from malnutrition may be grounds for legal action.  

How Our Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect in Chicago, our experienced lawyers are here to assist you. Here’s how we do this: 

Investigate 

Our legal team diligently gathers crucial evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, facility inspection reports, staff records, and witness statements. 

Negotiation and Trial

We work to negotiate fair settlements and are prepared to take the malnutrition and dehydration personal injury case to trial if necessary. Our focus is on holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions.   

Personalized Support From Our Law Firm  

We provide personalized attention to each case, ensuring you’re informed and supported throughout the legal process. We try to make the process as easy as possible for you by keeping you updated and answering any questions you have. 

Ultimately, we’re dedicated to providing legal help to you and your loved one so you can seek justice for the harm they’ve experienced as a result of nursing home neglect.   

Book a Free Consultation With a Chicago Nursing Home Malnutrition Lawyer Near You! 

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home malnutrition in a Chicago nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Our firm has extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. 

Call (800) 926-7565 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago.