Our firm recognizes the heartbreak a family feels when they discover their loved one is facing nursing home negligence. Read on, and give our firm a call today to learn more about this and what steps you should take if you ever find yourself in this horrible situation. Our skilled South Carolina elder abuse attorneys are on your side.
What Are the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina?
Nursing home abuse can be seen in several different forms. In some instances, signs of nursing home abuse are more clear than others, for example, bruising or other types of physical harm. However, apart from physical abuse, nursing home abuse can also come in the form of emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, too. If you believe that your loved one is a victim of any of these types of abuse, it is important that you take action as soon as possible to ensure your loved one does not endure any more danger.
What Are Common Signs of Nursing Home Negligence?
As you can imagine, nursing home abuse isn’t always obvious. However, there are certain signs to look out for that, if detected timely, can even save your loved one’s life. Nursing homes that neglect or abuse our loved ones need to be held accountable. If you believe a family member has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, then it is important to seek timely legal advice from an attorney who has experience handling these claims. If you or a loved one has suffered any of the following, contact us for a free case review to see whether we can help:
- Falls
- Malnutrition
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Bed Sores
- Pressure Ulcers
- Dehydration
- Withdrawn Behavior
- Alterations in Appearance or Personal Hygiene
- Medical Neglect
- Unsafe or Unclean Living Conditions
- Possessions Going Missing
- Neglect of Basic Needs
What Steps Should I Take?
It is important that you take a number of different measures promptly after suspecting that an incident or multiple incidents of nursing home abuse are occurring. This is because you will want to take your loved one out of immediate danger and ensure they obtain the justice they deserve once they are safe. Those steps include the following:
- If you find that your loved one is in direct danger, you should call 911. They can make sure that your loved one obtains the medical treatment he or she needs and document the harmful nursing home conditions.
- Take photos and videos of the unsafe nursing home conditions and/or your loved one’s injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Report the incident(s) of abuse to the SCDOA Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095.
- Keep a copy of any medical documentation pertaining to your loved one’s injuries.
- Speak with an experienced Columbia nursing home lawyer who can fight for the compensation both you and your loved one deserve.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, elder abuse, or whistleblower protection contact our Mann Blake & Jackson Law today.