Florence Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When family members choose a long-term care facility for a senior loved one who can no longer live on their own, they likely never think about elder abuse or neglect happening to them. Unfortunately, it is a reality that happens all too often.
Senior residents are at risk of experiencing abuse, even in facilities entrusted with their care. So, if this has happened to you or your loved one, know that you are not alone. And, that a Florence nursing home abuse lawyer from Anastopoulo Law Firm is here to help.
South Carolina Law Limits Your Time to File a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Elder abuse has no place in our society, and those who participate in it must be held accountable. We will help you file legal action against the facility where your loved one was abused, but we urge you to move quickly.
Under South Carolina law, S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530, we generally have three years to file a civil suit against a nursing home. Your case’s timeline begins either from the date you discovered the abuse or the date the abuse occurred.
You can seek damages in a civil action against the facility where your loved one was mistreated, even if a criminal case also develops or is underway. A civil lawsuit can award you damages for the harm your loved one and your family endured because of the abuse.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving Florence, call 803-222-2222
Understanding Compensable Damages for Elder Abuse in a Nursing Home
The value of your case will depend on the details in your case but, compensation in a nursing home abuse or neglect case could include:
- The cost of the nursing home where the abuse and/or neglect occurred
- Medical expenses for treatment your loved one needed due to abuse or neglect (past, present, and future)
- Therapy, mental health treatment costs due to any traumatic stress or other mental health disorders because of the abuse/neglect
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
We will assess all damages before determining how much compensation we request. Some of these damages have a dollar amount, while others do not. We urge you to save every document that can prove how much you have paid or still owe while we review and assess the value of the damages.
Wrongful Death Actions can be Filed in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Unfortunately, some victims of nursing home abuse or neglect do not survive their injuries. So, if your loved one passed away from abuse in a nursing home, we are truly sorry for your loss. We know this is a difficult time and that you are busy taking care of your family and other responsibilities. When things calm down, you may want to pursue a wrongful death action on your loved one’s behalf. Our nursing home abuse attorney can help you when you are ready. You have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, per S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530.
Damages awarded in a wrongful death action may be:
- Medical expenses for your loved one’s final treatment
- Costs of funeral, cremation, or burial services
- Physical and mental pain and suffering your family members endured
- Your loved one’s personal belongings that were stolen, ruined, or destroyed
- The absence of your loved one’s companionship, guidance
Florence Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222
Anastopoulo Law Firm will Protect You from Further Harm
Anastopoulo Law Firm will do everything we can to protect you and your loved one from further harm. We take care of everything concerning your case so that you can concentrate on helping your loved one rebuild their life. When you become our client, we will:
- Investigate your case and review all evidence
- Compile case evidence to prove the liable party’s negligence
- Talk with you and your loved one to get your account of what occurred
- Interview residents to document their accounts of abuse witnessed
- Review the hiring and training practices to look for possible negligence
- Negotiate with all parties for an appropriate settlement
- Prepare and file a civil lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached
We will represent you in all meetings and negotiations. We will file all legal documents and essential paperwork. Our team will keep you updated about any case developments and explain all laws applicable to your case.
We do not charge any upfront fees. Instead, we receive an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or court award if we win compensation. If we do not win your case, you do not pay us.
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Reporting Abuse in Nursing Homes to the Proper Authorities
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation is taking place in a facility, alert local law enforcement or another agency that can investigate the matter. Adult Protective Services with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is a place to start.
You can also contact the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) and file a complaint about the facility with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO).
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Forms of Elderly Abuse that Can Occur in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse can take place in various forms. Mistreatment is not just physical violence that involves using force to hurt, scare, or injure someone. Per the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), it can also be:
- Emotional, verbal, or mental abuse: This includes taunting, verbal attacks, threats, isolation, rejection, or anything that causes distress.
- Sexual abuse: This includes unwanted intimate touching, forced intimate touching, or any behavior done without a person’s expressed consent.
- Financial abuse: This includes theft, fraud, misuse of money, or manipulating their money away from them. A person can also influence an older adult to make decisions that lead them to give away their money or property.
- Neglect: Safety, physical and emotional needs, are essential in nursing care. Per NCEA, neglect is failing or refusing to provide senior-age adults in nursing care with the essentials to ensure these needs are met.
If you notice that your loved one is quieter, withdrawn, anxious, fearful, or acting out, abuse could be the issue. Other signs include:
- Bruising or other severe injuries and wounds that appear
- Bedsores, infections
- Dehydration, malnutrition
- Lack of basic hygiene, clean clothes, bed linen
- Missing money, property
Document Everything You Can to Prove Your Loved One’s Abuse
- Document with photographs of your loved one’s injuries
- Take notes from your loved one about any abuse they suffered
- Record your observations about the facility and staff
- Contact family members about what they have noticed and document their accounts
We can use this information to support your case. We will also look for additional evidence of wrongdoing and will not stop until we have what we need to build a strong case.
Call Today to Learn How a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Florence Can Help
Anastopoulo Law Firm is ready to fight for your family’s recovery and hold the nursing home accountable for abuse. We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation. We will explain your legal options and what you can do today to take action.
Call us at (800) 777-7777, and let us start working for you now.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form