( 300+)When families make the difficult decision to move a loved one into a nursing home or long-term care facility, they are placing immense faith in the staff. Families entrust the facility to care for their loved ones, but sometimes the patients do not receive the care that they deserve.
Nursing home abuse remains a serious, underreported issue across the country, including right here in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, in the Mt. Pleasant area it’s critical to act now. At Elliott Frazier – Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, our experienced personal injury lawyers are committed to protecting the elderly and holding negligent care providers accountable.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional harm of elderly or vulnerable residents by caregivers or staff members. This abuse can be from anyone including nursing staff, administrative personnel, or even other residents. This can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse like hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional abuse like verbal insults, threats, humiliation, or isolation.
- Sexual abuse meaning any non-consensual sexual contact or activity.
- Neglect, or failing to provide necessary care, food, hygiene, or medical attention.
- Financial exploitation like misusing or stealing a resident’s money or personal property.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse and neglect are often difficult to detect, and victims rarely speak up. That’s why families and loved ones need to be vigilant for warning signs that something may be wrong. Common warning signs include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or any signs of malnutrition
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
- Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or noticeable changes in behavior
- Bedsores or untreated medical issues
- Missing personal items or suspicious financial activity
If you notice any of these red flags, do not ignore them. Even subtle changes in your loved one’s health can signal serious abuse or neglect.
Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents In Mount Pleasant
Under South Carolina law, nursing home residents have rights to dignity, privacy, and proper care. Facilities are required to meet federal and state regulations regarding training and safety. When a facility violates these standards, they may be held legally responsible for any harm caused.
The South Carolina Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities guarantees residents the right to:
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy
- Live in a safe and clean environment
- Participate in decisions about their care
- Be free from physical or mental abuse and restraints
- Manage their own finances (unless legally restricted)
- Be offered treatment without discrimination of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or source of payment.
- Be fully informed in advance about changes in care and treatment that may affect the resident’s well-being
If abuse or neglect is suspected, families can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and can also pursue a civil claim for damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
How Can an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?
Nursing home abuse cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled and compassionate nursing home abuse attorney who understands how to investigate these cases and build a strong legal claim for the abuse and neglect that occurred. At Elliott Frazier – Family, Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, our Mt. Pleasant nursing home abuse lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
Contact a Mt Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect that your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Mount Pleasant, reach out to us! Call Elliott Frazier – Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you hold negligent facilities accountable and to receive compensation for the damages that you or a loved one sustained.
Call [Phone] our Mt. Pleasant office or contact us online to schedule your consultation with a Mt. Pleasant nursing home abuse attorney.
Our Mount Pleasant Office
1156 Bowman Road, Suite 200, Office 251, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464
Our office is located near the intersection of Bowman Road and Highway 17.
Our office is easily accessible from I-526.
Free parking is available at the front of the building.
Our offices are a part of the Charleston Executive Center, also known as the Mt. Pleasant Executive Offices. Look for the “Charleston Executive Offices” sign.
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