The first step is a free case evaluation. We will gather the medical records and determine if your loved one’s dehydration was the result of a breach in the standard of care.

You can seek medical costs, pain and suffering damages, and in cases of extreme recklessness, punitive damages and attorney's fees.

Yes. Under the California Elder Abuse Act, the estate can pursue a "survival action" for the pain and suffering the resident endured, as well as a wrongful death claim for the family’s loss.

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file an elder abuse claim. However, because evidence like fluid logs can be lost, you should contact an Oakland dehydration lawyer as soon as possible.

Residents with swallowing disorders (dysphagia) need thickeners to prevent aspiration. If a facility fails to provide these or provides them in the wrong consistency, the resident may stop drinking out of fear or physical inability, leading to dehydration.

Yes. Dehydration causes orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing) and confusion, both of which are major risk factors for falls. Many of our fall cases are actually rooted in nursing home dehydration.

Not usually. If a resident refuses fluids, the facility must try different approaches (popsicles, different juices, verbal cues) and notify the physician or family. A simple "refused" note in a chart does not absolve them of their duty to keep the resident hydrated.

We look at medical records (I&Os), lab results showing high sodium or BUN levels, and witness testimony. We also use facility records to see if the staff was spread too thin to provide the required "ADL" (Activities of Daily Living) assistance.

Yes. Chronic dehydration is a leading cause of recurring UTIs and acute kidney injury in nursing homes. If the facility’s failure to provide fluids caused these medical complications, they are liable for the damages.

No. While seniors may have a lower thirst drive, dehydration is a medical condition, not a natural part of getting older. Facilities are legally required to manage this risk through hydration programs and monitoring.