Some clients are surprised when their Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer tells them that nursing home residents have a “Bill of Rights.” In South Carolina, the rights are listed in detail on a form so that residents can sign that they’ve been advised of their rights. All nursing home administrators are aware of these rights as well. If they do something to violate these rights, they need to be held accountable. If your loved one is injured as a result of this violation, they may have a claim for damages. The only way to know if it’s worth pursuing is to talk to an experienced Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer.
Nursing Home Staff are Required to Treat Residents with Dignity and Respect
One of the most important rights of nursing home residents is the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Most of the people who work at nursing homes truly care about their patients. They do whatever they can to make your loved one feel comfortable. However, there are always a few bad apples in every bunch. They may taunt or verbally abuse your mom or dad. An orderly may scream at a resident because they’re walking too slow. There are even nurses who leave residents undressed in their room while they leave to get medical supplies. The staff would not want to be treated this way. They owe it to your loved one to treat them properly at all times.
Your Loved One Has the Right to Choose Their Own Doctor
One of the rights outlined in the South Carolina Nursing Home Bill of Rights is the right to choose your own doctor. If the doctor is in the resident’s network, they should have no problem seeing them. If the nursing home staff force the resident to see a doctor they aren’t comfortable with then they have violated the resident’s rights. If this happens to your loved one, you need to call a Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer the same day you learn of this behavior. They’ll do what they can to prevent further abuse and explain what further options your family has.
Residents Have the Right to Be Free From Abuse
It should go without saying, but your loved one is absolutely entitled to be free from abuse. This includes more than just physical abuse. The resident is entitled to be free of verbal, emotional, and financial abuse as well. If you suspect that they aren’t being treated fairly, step up and say something. Call and schedule a meeting with one of our Columbia nursing abuse lawyers right away. Let them talk to the administrator and get to the bottom of the issue. If the administrator fails to correct the issue, then you’ll have no choice but to file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of your loved one.
Residents Deserve Privacy When Receiving Care
When someone is a resident at a nursing home, they are usually treated right in their room. The doctor or nurse will administer treatments and take any vitals they need to do. Some of these treatments require that your loved one’s clothing be removed. As long as the resident is in a private area, that shouldn’t be an issue. However, if the staff fails to secure their privacy, then they have violated their rights under the law. Not only is this part of the resident bill of rights – but it is also required under the HIPAA law.
Your Columbia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Sue if Your Loved One’s Rights are Violated
If your mom or dad was placed in a nursing home, you probably worry about them all the time. Nobody wants to put their parent in a nursing facility. There comes a time, however, when you have to admit that you can’t handle it anymore. Unless you’re a doctor or nurse, there’s no way you can provide all their care. You make sure you do your homework before you select a nursing home. You take a tour and talk to the staff there. You even compare it to other nursing homes in the area. This is why it can be so frustrating and hurtful to find out that your parent isn’t being cared for properly. If this happens to you, then it’s a good idea to call and talk to one of our Columbia nursing home abuse lawyers. Your initial consultation is free, and you don’t pay a dime until your case is resolved.