When South Carolina families place their loved ones in nursing homes, it is with the expectation that they will receive reasonable care that meets acceptable standards. However, nursing homes sometimes fail to meet appropriate standards, and as a result, innocent patients can suffer.
If you believe your loved one is experiencing mistreatment at his or her nursing home, you have the right to take action on his or her behalf. There is no excuse for the mistreatment of individuals who live in nursing homes, and it is possible for you to hold a facility accountable for inappropriate actions through a civil claim against liable parties.
Is your loved one a victim?
It can be difficult to determine if your loved one is a victim of mistreatment in a nursing home. Sometimes, victims are reluctant to speak out about what they experienced, but there may be physical signs that they are experiencing mistreatment.
Physical abuse is a common type of mistreatment suffered by nursing home patients, but it is not the only type of abuse a person can suffer. Nursing home abuse can include behavior related to the following:
- Mental and psychological abuse, including withholding mail and verbal harassment
- Neglect, which includes leaving a patient with untreated bedsores and other issues
- Physical abuse, which can include pushing, shoving, hitting and other forms of physical harm
- Sexual abuse, which includes any type of harassment or inappropriate contact of a sexual nature
- Financial abuse, such as exploiting residents, having them turn over money and more
If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated or you have evidence, you can take steps to hold liable parties accountable. Through a civil claim, you can seek rightful compensation for the pain and suffering of your family member.
Fighting for your loved one
Your loved one should not have to suffer alone. The moment you suspect any type of abuse, you can reach out for the appropriate help you and your family needs.
Nursing homes have the responsibility to care for the people entrusted to them. When they fail in this duty, a civil claim is a reasonable course of action. While no amount of compensation can undo what your loved one experienced, it can help your family recoup your losses and help your family member move forward after a traumatic experience.