Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
in South Carolina

A nursing home abuse lawyer can help if your elderly loved one has been hurt, mistreated or neglected. The abuse could happen at a nursing home, at another facility or even at home.

NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER FIGHTS FOR YOU!

Skilled rep for victims of elderly abuse

When we place our loved ones in a nursing home, we expect them to be safe, cared for, and treated with respect. Tragically, that doesn’t always happen. Some nursing home residents face abuse—sometimes by the very people who are supposed to help them.

Families trust nursing homes and caregivers to care for their loved ones. But when that trust is broken, someone needs to step in and fight for what’s right.

If you think something is wrong, it’s important to act fast. No one should ever suffer abuse or neglect, especially the elderly who are dependent on others for care.

Table of Contents:

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse happens when staff members or other people in the facility hurt or ignore a resident. This abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even sexual.

Sadly, about 10% of nursing home residents will be the victims of abuse or neglect. However, due to mental decline, many of these cases will never be reported. That’s why if you believe your loved one has been mistreated, it’s important to contact a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer quickly!

Types of nursing home abuse

Nursing home abuse isn’t always easy to see. It can happen in many ways:

Physical abuse is when a resident is hurt on purpose:

• Hitting, slapping or pushing
• Using too much force when moving or restraining the patient
• Using restraints in the wrong way

Emotional abuse can make the elderly patient feel scared, sad, depressed or worthless. It may not leave physical scars, but it can be just as harmful:

• Yelling at the patient
• Threatening the patient
• Ignoring the patient on purpose

Elderly neglect happens when the resident is not provided with basic needs:

• Food
• Water
• Medicine or ignoring medical conditions
• Help with hygiene
• Clean clothes and bed sheets

Financial abuse: Some nursing home staff, other residents or even visitors may try to take advantage of an older person financially by:

• Stealing their money
• Using their credit card without permission
• Pressuring them to change their will

Sexual abuse in a nursing home is a very serious and heartbreaking problem:

It happens when someone touches a resident in a sexual way without their consent. This type of abuse can be committed by staff, other residents, or even visitors.

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare worker makes a mistake that causes harm. In nursing homes, this can include:

• Not treating an illness or injury
• Making the wrong diagnosis
• Giving the wrong treatment
• Not following basic safety rules

Even small mistakes can lead to big problems for elderly residents. Older people often have weaker immune systems and can get worse quickly if not treated the right way.

Medication errors happen more often than you might think. These mistakes can happen because of carelessness, poor training, or not enough staff. Staff may:

• Give the wrong medicine
• Give the wrong dose (too much or too little)
• Forget to give the medicine at all
• Mix up medications between patients
• Fail to check for drug allergies or dangerous side effects

For older adults, these mistakes can be very dangerous. Some residents may become dizzy, confused, or very sick. Others may end up in the hospital or worse.

Nursing home abuse lawyer David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team care, and we are here for you. Call us today!

Nursing home red flags

Abuse in nursing homes is a serious issue, and it’s important to know the signs. Sometimes, it’s not easy to recognize the red flags. An abused or neglected person might seem quiet, scared, or have unexplained bruises or weight loss. Trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Signs of elderly abuse or neglect

Look for these signs:

Physical abuse signs: bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, unexplained injuries, TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries) or sudden fear of staff members.

Emotional abuse signs: Sudden mood changes, fear of certain caregivers, withdrawing from family or friends.

Neglect signs: Dirty clothing or bed sheets, bad smells, bedsores, dehydration or weight loss, untreated injuries or illnesses.

Financial abuse signs: Missing money or valuables, strange bank charges, or unpaid bills.

Sexual abuse signs: bruising in private areas, fearfulness, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Medical malpractice signs: Sudden changes in health or mood, unexplained bruises or injuries, missed doctor appointments, confusion or sleepiness, or complaints of pain that are ignored.

Medication errors signs: Sudden changes in behavior (confusion, sleepiness), new health problems, dizziness, falls, infections, or frequent hospital visits.

If you notice any of these, it may be time to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer. David Hood and his co-counsel legal team will pursue compensation to help you or your loved one on the road to recovery. Contact us now!

Abuse of the elderly: long-term effects

Abuse doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it can affect a person’s health, emotions, and safety for the rest of their life, and can even cause death.

Physical effects: One of the biggest dangers of elder abuse is how it can damage a person’s body. Older adults are already more likely to get hurt or sick, and abuse makes things worse. Some long-term health problems include:

• Broken bones that don’t heal well
• Infections from untreated wounds
• Lasting pain or disability
• Worsening of conditions like dementia or heart disease

These injuries can make it hard for someone to walk, talk, or take care of themselves again.

Mental and emotional effects: Abuse can also leave deep emotional scars. Many elderly victims feel fear, shame, or sadness long after the abuse ends. They may:

• Become depressed or anxious
• Stop trusting people
• Lose interest in things they used to enjoy
• Feel afraid to speak up or ask for help

In some cases, emotional trauma can lead to memory loss or other mental health issues.

Loss of independence: After abuse, some seniors are never the same. They may need full-time care, medical equipment, or even have to move to a new facility. This can be very hard for the elderly person and their family.

Wrongful death

Wrongful death is when someone dies because of another person’s careless or harmful actions. Abuse or neglect in the elderly can even lead to the tragic loss of a loved ones life. You can see how any of the types of nursing home abuse listed above could possibly result in death.

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. But if their death was caused by a caregiver’s actions, your family may have the right to take legal action. A wrongful death lawsuit may:

• Help uncover the truth
• Hold the nursing home responsible
• Cover costs like funeral expenses and medical bills
• Bring peace of mind to the family
• Result in an award for pain & suffering

If you believe your loved one died due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today for a free and private consultation.

Abuse of the elderly

Abuse of the elderly can happen anywhere, not only in nursing home environments. Many elderly people don’t speak up because they are scared or embarrassed. Others may have memory problems and can’t explain what’s happening. Senior abuse can even happen to those who are still living on their own by:

• Family members
• Caregivers or home health aides
• Friends or neighbors
• Strangers trying to scam them

This is why it’s so important for family to always be involved and pay close attention for any red flags.

Who can be held responsible for abuse of the elderly?

Many people or groups may be responsible, including:

• Nurses or aides
• Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Nursing home or assisted living managers
• The company that owns the nursing home or assisted living facility
• Other caregivers
• Any company that provides a caregiver

A nursing home abuse lawyer should investigate to find everyone who is at fault and work to hold them all accountable.

How can you prevent being abused?

The good news is there are ways to help prevent elder abuse. Advocate for yourself as best you can:

Stay in touch with family and friends

Stay connected. Regular visits, phone calls, and video chats with family and friends help keep you safe. Try to speak with someone you trust at least once a week. Let them know if anything feels wrong or uncomfortable.

Learn about your rights

No matter your situation, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. No one should ever hit you, yell at you, or take your money or property without your permission.

If you live in a nursing home, or assisted living home, ask for a copy of the rules or patient rights. You can also ask a trusted person to explain them to you.

Keep an eye on your money

Financial abuse is one of the most common types of elder abuse. Someone might try to steal money, use your credit cards, or trick you into signing papers. Keep your checks, credit cards, and bank information in a safe place. Review your bank statements often and ask a trusted family member to help if you need it.

Speak up if something feels wrong

If someone is hurting you or making you feel scared, it’s important to speak up. You don’t have to stay silent. You can tell a family member, a nurse, a doctor, or even a lawyer. There are people who want to help. Keep a list of phone numbers for people you trust somewhere easy to find.

Choose the right caregiver or facility

Before moving into a nursing home or hiring a caregiver, do your homework. Look at reviews, visit the place, and talk to others who live there. A clean, safe, and friendly environment is very important.

Ask questions like:

• “How do you handle complaints?”
• “What kind of training do your workers have?”
• “How often can family members visit?”

Stay active and involved

The more active you are, the more you can watch out for yourself. Join in activities, talk to other residents, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Being part of a community makes it easier to notice when something isn’t right—and get help faster.

If you have been abused, ask for help. Nursing home abuse lawyer David Hood and his co-counsel legal team can fight for justice for you! Call us today for a free, confidential consult.

What family members can do

If you think your elderly loved one is being abused or neglected:

• Make sure your loved one is safe. Call 911 if it’s an emergency.
• Talk to the nursing home staff – Ask questions and write down what they say.
• Visit often – The more you’re around, the easier it is to spot changes.
• Take notes and keep records – This can help if you need to make a complaint.
• File a complaint with South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH).
• Elderly abuse reporting-Adult Protective Services or call 1-888-227-3487.
• Speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer – If you suspect neglect or abuse, nursing home abuse lawyer David Hood and his co-counsel legal team can help you understand your rights and take legal action if needed. Call us today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Elderly abuse facts (statistics)

Who are the abusers?

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 47% of elder abuse offenses are carried out by family members. Medical caregivers are the abusers in about 13% of cases.

Who are the abused?

• Approximately half of elderly dementia patients experience abuse or neglect.
• 1 in 10 elder Americans (60 years or older) living at home are abused, neglected or exploited each year.
• Approximately 16% of elder Americans in residential facilities are abused each year.
• Those 80 years or older are the most likely to experience elderly abuse.

(SeniorLiving.org)

Where does South Carolina rank?

WalletHub compared the 50 states and DC, ranking how they prevent elder abuse across three dimensions-prevalence, resources and protection. #1 is best, and #51 is worst. Unfortunately, South Carolina ranked 49^th out of 51, ahead of only Utah and South Dakota.

You don’t have to do this alone

It can be scary to take on a nursing home or a big company. But you are not alone. A good nursing home abuse lawyer will stand by your side and make sure your voice is heard. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today.

How a lawyer can help

The Law Offices of David L. Hood and co-counsel can help protect elderly people who have been mistreated or hurt by a caregiver.

In many cases, nursing homes may try to hide what happened. A lawyer should work to uncover the truth and make sure your family gets justice.

David Hood and his co-counsel legal team will listen to your story and gather the facts. We can:

• Gather medical records and other evidence
• Investigate what happened
• Talk to witnesses
• Work with medical experts and state investigators
• File a lawsuit if needed
• Fight to get justice and money for medical care, pain, and suffering

We are ready to listen, hear your story, and fight for you. Contact us today!

Call for a free consultation

If you think your loved one has been abused or neglected, don’t wait. Talk to a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help protect your family and hold the bad guys responsible.

You have the right to speak up—and so does your loved one.

Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood, Your Nursing Abuse Lawyer Today!

No one should suffer abuse or neglect, especially not our seniors. If your loved one has been hurt in a nursing home or by a caregiver, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you take action. Call today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your family and fight for justice.

During this very tough time, you should contact the caring people at The Law Offices of David L. Hood. Find out the best way to move forward, so you can focus on healing and leave the litigation to us! If you need answers, we’d be happy to listen and answer your questions. There’s never a fee for your initial private consult.

Remember, there are time limits, so don’t wait. Call us today!

Contact us at any of our 18 statewide South Carolina offices. We have over 30 years of experience and are available 24/7 via phone, email, chat and text. We look forward to hearing from you!