Abuse
The South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Lofton & Lofton have an established reputation for excellence in cases involving nursing home abuse. For over 25 years, we have held defendants such as nursing homes liable for willful acts that injure and traumatize those who rely on them for care. We work closely with top medical experts and state authorities to prosecute abuse and neglect. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is the intentional infliction of injury on a patient causing physical pain, mental anguish or bodily harm. Abuse covers a range of willful acts, including:
- Threats, swearing
- Gestures, coercion
- Imposed seclusion
- Punishment, attack
- Sexual harassment
- Use of force, insults
- Sexual assault, battery
- Unnecessary restraints
- Intentional deprivation
- Use of derogatory names
Abuse clearly places patients in immediate danger and can cause permanent damage. Instances of abuse must be prevented at all costs and reported right away.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
The infliction of harm on a patient may not be immediately apparent. Perpetrators may blame the injury on falling or the patient’s natural condition. But common signs of abuse include:
- Fractures
- Head trauma
- Fear, flinching
- Unexplained bites
- Suspicious bruising
- Rope or burn marks
- Black or swollen eyes
- Withdrawal, depression
- Marks near breasts, genitals
- Weight loss, behavior changes
Detecting symptoms of abuse requires knowing the patient and monitoring any changes. Failure to prevent or protect against abuse is a serious violation of nursing home standards.
Reporting and Intervention
State and federal laws require immediate reporting of abuse. Licensed facilities and staff members are “mandatory reporters.” In South Carolina, agencies to contact include:
- Local law enforcement
- Department of Disability
- Adult Protective Services
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Social Services
- State Law Enforcement Division
- State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Out-of-Home Abuse Investigations Unit
Local and state departments are responsible for facility licensing and investigating cases of abuse or neglect. Different divisions investigate reports of mistreatment in nursing homes, group homes, service-based communities, and residential treatment facilities.
Liability for Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes have a legal duty to protect their patients from abuse. This includes any form of mistreatment that results in physical or mental harm. Whether the incident involves physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, the facility is legally liable for damages. The injured patient or affected family members are entitled to compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income or property, pain, suffering, and other related damages. South Carolina law allows any person to report suspected mistreatment, even if the witness is not a family member or friend. If the report was in good faith, the person faces no civil or criminal liability. To recover legal compensation, consult an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer today.
Seek Legal Counsel in Cases of Abuse
If you suspect a nursing home patient is the victim of abuse, the South Carolina nursing home abuse lawyers at Lofton & Lofton can help. We thoroughly investigate cases of alleged mistreatment and alert the proper authorities. Our seasoned lawyers and highly-trained staff give your case the care and attention it deserves. We provide invaluable advice about all your legal options and diligently pursue your claim for relief. At Lofton & Lofton, we believe that nursing home abuse is a serious violation of the patient’s safety, dignity, and rights. Since 1984, we have defended our clients’ rights and helped them recover compensation from all liable parties. Get immediate legal assistance to redress a serious injury. Call (843) 722-6319 today for a confidential consultation or contact us online.
