If you have a loved one who has suffered from abuse or neglect in a Charleston nursing home, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you fight for justice and fair compensation. The nursing home neglect lawyer in South Carolina at Briggs Law Group has years of experience advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable. We proudly serve clients throughout Charleston and all of South Carolina.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms. Some of the most common types that our Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer handles include:
- Physical abuse: This involves the intentional use of physical force against a nursing home resident, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining. Signs can include unexplained broken bones, cuts, bruises, or marks.
- Emotional abuse: Also known as psychological abuse, this involves verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, or any other actions that cause mental distress. An elderly resident may become anxious, depressed, or withdraw from normal activities.
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with a nursing home resident constitutes sexual abuse. Because many residents suffer from cognitive impairments, they may be unable to refuse or report inappropriate sexual conduct.
- Neglect: Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide the expected standard of care, including proper hygiene, nutrition, hydration, medical treatment, and a safe and sanitary environment. Neglect can lead to severe health complications.
- Financial exploitation: Staff or other individuals may take advantage of nursing home residents by stealing money, forging checks, or pressuring them to change wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. Unusual bank activity can be a red flag.
Nursing Home Residents’ Rights in South Carolina
Both federal and South Carolina state laws protect the rights of nursing home residents. The Nursing Home Reform Act established a national Bill of Rights for nursing home residents, guaranteeing freedom from abuse and neglect, as well as the rights to:
- Dignity, respect, and freedom
- Participation in their care
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Accommodation of physical, mental, and psychosocial needs
- Voice grievances without retaliation
- Communicate freely
- Participate in their financial affairs
South Carolina’s Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-81-20) echoes these federal protections. When a Charleston nursing home violates these rights, it can be held liable with the help of a skilled nursing home abuse attorney.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Because nursing home residents are often unable to speak up for themselves, family members play a critical role in identifying the red flags of potential abuse or neglect. Some common warning signs include:
- Unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers
- Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
- Changes in mood or behavior, like fear, anxiety, or withdrawal
- Missing belongings or sudden financial changes
If you notice any of these troubling signs, notify the facility administrator and contact our Charleston nursing home neglect lawyer promptly. Quick action can stop the abuse, prevent further harm, and strengthen your legal case.
How Our Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
When you work with Briggs Law Group, we put our extensive knowledge and resources to work for you. Our compassionate yet aggressive approach has helped numerous South Carolina families recover maximum compensation for nursing home abuse and neglect.
We can help you:
- Investigate the suspected abuse or neglect
- Gather crucial evidence like medical records and witness statements
- Consult with medical experts about the extent of injuries
- Navigate the complex legal process
- Negotiate with the nursing home’s insurance company
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We also understand the emotional challenges of realizing a loved one has been abused. While you focus on getting your family member to safety, we focus on handling every detail of your legal claim.
Damages Available in Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Cases
If your Charleston nursing home abuse lawyer can prove that the facility’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one’s injuries, you may be able to recover damages such as:
- Medical bills related to the abuse or neglect
- Costs of transferring to a new facility
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- In cases of fatal neglect, wrongful death damages
The exact compensation will depend on factors like the severity of the abuse, the strength of the evidence, and the resident’s life expectancy. Our nursing home abuse lawyer in Charleston, SC, will fight tirelessly to maximize your financial recovery.
Time Limits for Filing a Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
It is critical to contact a nursing home abuse attorney in Charleston as soon as you suspect mistreatment. South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530) generally gives you only three years from the date of the abuse or neglect to file a lawsuit.
However, if reasonable diligence could not have discovered the abuse within that time, you may have up to six years from the date of injury. If a loved one tragically dies from nursing home negligence, the deadline to file a wrongful death claim is typically three years from the date of death.
Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to pursue justice entirely. Do not delay in contacting Briggs Law Group for your free case evaluation.
Choosing the Right Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Picking the right Charleston nursing home abuse attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make in your nursing home abuse case. Consider looking for a lawyer who:
- Has specific experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect claims
- Knows the state and federal regulations governing nursing homes
- Has a track record of successfully recovering compensation for clients
- Has the resources to thoroughly investigate and build your case
- Treats you and your family with care and respect
At Briggs Law Group, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality legal services to injury victims throughout Charleston and surrounding communities. We are here to be your voice against the nursing homes that break your trust.
Get Help From Our Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Now
If you believe someone you love has been abused or neglected in a Charleston nursing home, do not hesitate to contact Briggs Law Group for experienced and dedicated legal representation.
Call or contact us online now to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a top nursing home abuse lawyer in Charleston that families trust.