Nursing home abuse can take many forms, from physical assault and battery to neglect, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. Any act that causes harm or deprives a resident of care and dignity should be reported. Don’t assume that rough treatment or substandard care “just comes with old age.” Our seniors deserve so much better.
If you see signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, say something. Document incidents, take photos if possible, and get the authorities involved immediately. Call a Camden nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options before time runs out.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina
In South Carolina, nursing home abuse is illegal and can have serious consequences. As a resident or loved one of a resident in a South Carolina nursing home, it’s important to understand what constitutes abuse so you know when to take action.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes acts of violence that cause pain, injury, impairment, or disease. Signs of physical abuse include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, or other injuries. Any unwanted physical contact, rough handling, or inappropriate restraint also qualifies as physical abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves mental anguish, distress, or intimidation. It includes verbal assaults, threats of punishment, isolation, or lack of social interaction. Watch out for signs like changes in behavior or mood, being withdrawn or non-responsive. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Neglect
Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs like food, water, shelter, hygiene, medication, social interaction, or safety precautions. Lack of assistance with eating or bathing, pressure ulcers, or unsanitary living conditions are signs of neglect. Malnutrition, dehydration, or poor personal hygiene can threaten a resident’s health and safety.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation involves misusing or withholding a resident’s funds, property, or assets. Look out for unexplained withdrawals from accounts, missing valuables, excessive billing, or lack of amenities that should be provided.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a civil claim. After that time has passed, you forfeit your right to pursue legal action against the nursing home.
The clock starts ticking as soon as the abuse or neglect occurs. During those three years, gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim is critical. Speak to doctors and nurses who treated the injuries, collect medical records and bills, take photos of any visible injuries, and get eyewitness statements.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Don’t delay—report suspected abuse or neglect to the authorities immediately. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency. You should also contact South Carolina Adult Protective Services to file a formal complaint.
Provide as much detail as possible about the incident(s) in question, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and specific details about the abuse or neglect. The sooner authorities are made aware of the situation, the sooner they can investigate and take appropriate action.
Keep written records documenting the abuse or neglect. Note dates, times, locations, individuals involved, specific details about incidents, and any injuries or changes in the individual’s physical or mental state. Take photographs if possible. Provide copies of your records to authorities investigating the complaint. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger the case will be against the perpetrators.
Contact a Camden Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect your loved one has faced abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you need to take action right away. In South Carolina, you have a limited time to file a claim against a nursing home for abuse and neglect.
Speaking with a Camden attorney specializing in nursing home abuse about your legal options is the first step toward justice and change. Don’t delay—call Connell Law Firm today for a free case review: (803)310-5700!