This young man suffered from a compulsive disorder called polydipsia, a condition also known as compulsive water drinking. Believe it or not, this can kill. Despite this fact, the condition is one that can be safely monitored by limiting access to water and watching the patient. This was done successfully for several years.
This patient needed to be transferred to a new facility. Unfortunately, the caregivers failed to inform the new caregivers of this young man’s condition. Within a matter of days, he became so ill due to his water drinking that he became hyponatremic and died.
During litigation, a confidential settlement was reached.
Confidential Settlement