Albuquerque Nursing Home Dehydration Lawyer

Q: Can I File a Claim Against a Nursing Home for the Death of a Loved One?

Yes, if a loved one has died due to the negligent or abusive actions of a nursing home, you may be able to take legal action. For example, death caused by dehydration may qualify as negligence. Under the New Mexico Wrongful Death Act, family members or representatives may seek justice on behalf of their deceased loved one.

Q: What Can a Nursing Home Lawyer Do?

A nursing home lawyer can represent patients and their families in cases involving abuse or neglect. They gather evidence, prepare a case for court, file necessary paperwork, and advocate for justice and compensation for the harm suffered.

Q: What Are New Mexico’s Nursing Home Dehydration Laws?

New Mexico follows the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which requires nursing homes to provide care that supports and strengthens residents' well-being. This includes meeting basic needs such as food and water. Failure to provide adequate hydration may constitute neglect.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

The cost of a lawyer in Albuquerque depends on the complexity of the case and the attorney's fee structure. Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others may use flat fees or contingency agreements. More complex or time-intensive cases typically cost more.

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Albuquerque Nursing Home Dehydration Attorney

Oftentimes, residents in nursing homes are dependent upon caregivers in the facility for their basic needs, such as adequate food, water, and assistance in completing daily activities. For patients who have trouble eating and drinking, help from nursing staff is essential for their well-being. If you or a loved one has suffered because of nursing home neglect or malpractice, an Albuquerque nursing home dehydration lawyer can help.

If your loved one has experienced the debilitating effects of dehydration at the hands of their caregiver, it is important to seek legal action. An experienced Albuquerque nursing home dehydration attorney can assess your case to determine what steps you need to take next. Having a lawyer in your corner will be of great value in seeking justice on behalf of your loved one. The legal process can be quite complex, but the team at the Branch Law Firm can help.

New Mexico Nursing Home Laws

New Mexico’s nursing homes are governed by state and federal laws. Having laws in place at both levels helps to ensure that there are multiple measures aimed at guarding the safety of nursing home residents. However, there are still plenty of instances where residents are abused and neglected.

The following is a list of relevant laws and governing bodies in New Mexico, which are meant to safeguard each resident.

Nursing Home Reform Act: This piece of legislation, included in the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987, specifically addresses how nursing homes are meant to function and outlines their responsibilities regarding patients. Some stated responsibilities include primarily caring for all patients’ well-being, addressing deficiencies in protocol or practice, maintaining a written plan of care, and providing 24-hour nursing services.
New Mexico Health Care Authority: This agency oversees all healthcare facilities within the state of New Mexico, listing regulations for each type of facility. The regulations in their document referring to long-term care facilities require that all patients be cared for in a lawful manner that contributes to the overall well-being of the patient.
New Mexico Department of Health: The New Mexico Department of Health is a broad organization that assists individuals with all health-related issues. They offer a 24/7 abuse hotline and have various locations in cities throughout the state. In Bernalillo County, the office is located at 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105.

How a Lawyer Helps

If you suspect that you may be able to take legal action for the abuse or neglect of a loved one in a nursing home, it is imperative to seek legal help as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control reported that as of 2020, there are 15,300 registered nursing homes in the United States, with 1.3 million residents. You can take some comfort in knowing that your case is not the only one like it; there are others who have suffered at the hands of nursing home administration, too.

Because of this tragic fact, there are available lawyers who have handled cases similar to yours. They know what type of evidence to look for, what paperwork needs to be completed, and can guide you through each step of the process ahead.

Why Choose Us?

The Branch Law Firm has been helping injured people for over 40 years. Since 1966, we have become known for our adamant pursuit of justice on behalf of individuals handling cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. The combination of our experience and compassion for our clients allows us to serve you holistically.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against a Nursing Home for the Death of a Loved One?

If you have lost a loved one because of the negligent or abusive actions of a nursing home, you may be able to take legal action against the nursing home. Death due to dehydration is one example of negligent action or failing to perform required duties. In New Mexico, the Wrongful Death Act allows for surviving family members or a relevant representative to seek justice on behalf of a loved one who died as a result of neglect or abuse.

What Can a Nursing Home Lawyer Do?

A nursing home lawyer can take legal action on behalf of a patient and their family for any unlawful actions they have suffered while in the care of a nursing home. Typical actions that are pursued with legal action include various forms of abuse and neglect. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence, prepare a case for court, and help you file the necessary paperwork to begin the legal process of seeking retribution.

What Are New Mexico’s Nursing Home Dehydration Laws?

The laws in New Mexico that address issues in nursing homes, such as dehydration of patients, are found in the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This law requires all nursing home facilities to provide nursing care and rehabilitation services that support and strengthen their overall well-being. Included in this description of overall well-being are the basic needs of food and water.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

The overall cost of a lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is largely dependent upon the specific factors of each case. Cases involving extreme matters and requiring more attention and time from a lawyer will likely cost more than simpler cases. Each lawyer has a unique way of charging clients. Some charge by the hour while others charge based on an hourly rate, which impacts the overall cost as well.

Hire a Nursing Home Dehydration Lawyer: The Branch Law Firm

Tackling a difficult case requires hiring a strong attorney. At the Branch Law Firm, we are familiar with the circumstances you are facing. Our knowledge and understanding of the legal process regarding nursing home abuse can help you get the justice you deserve. While there is no outcome equivalent to the worth of your loved one’s life and health, legal justice can provide hope for the future.

Contact the Branch Law Firm today to learn more about the ways that we can help. Our team can assess the specifics of your case and build a strong case on your behalf. We are also here to answer any questions you may have.