Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

When we move our loved ones into a nursing home, we expect them to receive the advertised compassionate care and safety that convinced us to choose that home. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse—a tragically common phenomenon—can betray our expectations, shatter our trust, and hurt our loved ones in many different ways. 

Our Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that this betrayal can exact. If you and your family were victims of nursing home abuse, you have legal options. Let our staff walk you through the process to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

If you can recognize the signs of potential nursing home abuse, you can take proactive steps to protect your family. Unexplained bruises, frequent falls, or sudden weight loss can all indicate physical abuse. If your loved one suddenly appears withdrawn, depressed, or fearful, you might suspect emotional abuse. Watch for missing personal belongings or unauthorized financial transactions, indicating financial exploitation. 

And if your loved one’s demeanor or condition changes drastically, or experiences a sudden decline in health, trust your instincts and investigate further. 

How Does Neglect Differ from Abuse?

While neglect and abuse can both harm your loved ones, neglect often involves an accidental failure to meet basic needs, while abuse tends to refer to intentional harm. 

Neglect can look like a failure to provide adequate food, water, medication, or hygiene, leading to bedsores, dehydration, or infections that worsen over time. It may not involve deliberate malicious intent, but it still endangers your loved one, and you should take your suspicions of neglect seriously. 

You may have difficulty detecting the signs of neglect, as the symptoms may develop gradually. Staff shortages and poor management can often contribute to neglect. So, if you notice unsanitary living conditions, unclean clothing, or a lack of proper medical attention, bring up those issues with the staff and note down your concerns.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Abuse?

If you suspect neglect or abuse, speak with your loved one in private, document your observations, take photos of any injuries or unsafe conditions, and write down any changes in their behavior. Report your concerns to the nursing home administration—but if you have reason to believe that your loved one is in immediate danger, relocate them to a safer environment. 

In the latter case, we highly recommend seeking legal guidance to help protect you and your loved one’s rights. Nursing homes often attempt to downplay allegations of abuse or neglect; detailed records, medical evaluations, and witness testimonies can help you strengthen your case. 

How Can Legal Action Hold Nursing Homes Accountable?

South Carolina law allows victims and the families of victims to file a claim against a nursing home facility for neglect or abuse, as well as to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Unfortunately, many cases of abuse and neglect go unreported due to fear of retaliation or a lack of awareness. Successful personal injury claims against nursing homes can encourage systemic changes and send a powerful cross-industry message that such behavior will not be tolerated. By filing a strong case, you will assist your family member and also help protect other residents from experiencing similar mistreatment. 

What Protections Exist for Nursing Home Residents?

South Carolina and federal laws establish clear standards for nursing home care: The federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) of 1987 gives residents the right to receive proper care, freedom from abuse and neglect, and participation in decisions about their treatment. Facilities must meet specific staffing and safety standards to remain compliant—but violations still happen, and even reported violations are often met with inconsistent enforcement. 

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) also helps oversee nursing home regulations by investigating complaints of abuse or neglect. If you experience an instance of nursing home abuse or neglect, report that instance to the DHEC to make sure the negligent facilities face the consequences and take corrective action.

Why Is Early Intervention Important?

The longer abuse or neglect goes unaddressed, the more severe the consequences can become. Early intervention will help prevent the most devastating long-term physical injuries or emotional trauma, as well as strengthen your legal case by preserving critical evidence. 

Delayed action, however, can allow abusive staff members to continue working unchecked. If you have concerns about nursing home abuse or neglect, an early report can help uncover systemic issues and usher along the changes needed to improve care standards.

How Do You Choose the Right Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

The right lawyer can make all the difference in protecting you and your loved ones. Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling nursing home abuse claims and a strong track record of success. Because they will likely work directly with you and your loved one in the nursing home, they must also demonstrate compassion, communication, and a commitment to seeking justice for vulnerable individuals. 

When you find the right lawyer, they will guide you through each step of the process, from investigating the abuse to filing a claim to negotiating a settlement or going to trial. They will allow you to focus on supporting your loved one while they handle the legal complexities. 

Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Will Help You

When you suspect neglect or abuse at your loved one’s nursing home care center, your direct involvement can create a safer environment for your loved one and hold the facility accountable to its own care standards. Trust the seasoned Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to protect your loved one and pursue justice. Call us at 843-727-6500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our office locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, serve clients throughout South Carolina.