From left to right: Attorneys Stephanie Winter, Dean Salita, Doug Schmidt, Mary Beth Boyce and Josh Laabs.
HYPONATREMIA (LOW SODIUM) IN MEDICAL & NURSING HOME MALPRACTICE
The medical malpractice lawyers at Schmidt Salita Law Firm know that dehydration is a serious circumstance that can cause low sodium levels in the body. That condition is called Hyponatremia. The symptoms are nausea and malaise (a general, hard-to-identify discomfort or illness) in milder cases. In more severe cases symptoms include lethargy, decreased cognition, decreased level of consciousness, headaches, seizures, and in the most dire cases, coma.
The diagnosis of this condition is confirmed by a blood and urine test that measures the sodium levels in your body.
Hypernatremia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is considered a clear indication of nursing home abuse and neglect. One study indicated that 18% of nursing home residents suffer from hyponatremia, which is associated with osteoporosis, difficulty balancing, increased risk of falling with hip and other bony fractures, and cognitive dysfunction.
Nursing home residents are at an increased risk for the development of hypernatremia because they rely on others for their water needs. Many elderly persons have decreased ability to ingest enough water when compared to younger people. Failure to provide adequate water can lead to serious medical conditions. More severe cases of hyponatremia are typically treated by raising the sodium level in the body using IV solutions containing the necessary electrolytes.
Legal remedies are available to the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. The Schmidt Salita Law Team can bring justice to those victims.
However, if the medical treatment raises the sodium too rapidly, moderate to severe brain damage can result. The human brain’s ability to recapture lost osmolytes can be exceeded. The result is a loss of the myelination of the brain, a condition that may be irreversible. When that happens, medical malpractice must be considered. The Schmidt Salita Medical Malpractice Team has medical and legal experience in handling such medical malpractice claims.
The Law Offices of Schmidt Salita Law Team
Schmidt Salita has an extensive track record of bringing justice to the victims of medical malpractice and nursing home malpractice in the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area, including the surrounding municipalities of Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Osseo, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Blaine, Anoka, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Savage, Burnsville, Eagan and Mendota Heights. The firm also serves clients from Wright County, Anoka County, Dakota County, Washington County, Ramsey County, Hennepin County and Meeker County.
“PERSONAL INJURY LEGAL SERVICES WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH!”
A Schmidt Salita Med Mal Lawyer will come to your home, or the hospital, for your initial visit. The Schmidt Salita Team strives to provide personal injury legal services with a personal touch to help the victims of trauma through a very difficult time in their lives.
