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Aiken, SC Nursing Home Abuse

Aiken Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Fighting for Nursing Home Residents in Aiken, SC

If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a care facility, you have legal rights. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and seeking justice for victims and their families. Our experienced Aiken nursing home abuse lawyers understand the emotional and legal challenges you face and are here to help.

Contact us today at (803) 599-2207 for a free, confidential consultation with an Aiken nursing home abuse lawyer.

Responsibilities of Nursing Home Staff in SC

In South Carolina, nursing homes are entrusted with providing safe, compassionate, and comprehensive care to elderly residents. Under both federal and state laws, nursing home staff are required to:

  • Provide adequate food, water, and medical care
  • Ensure a clean and safe living environment
  • Monitor residents for signs of illness, injury, or distress
  • Administer medications correctly and on schedule
  • Respect the dignity and privacy of residents
  • Prevent physical harm, including from falls or violent behavior
  • Report signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in serious harm to residents and legal liability for the facility. If you suspect these duties were breached, an Aiken nursing home abuse attorney from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can investigate your claim.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse occurs when a caregiver intentionally or negligently causes harm to a resident. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or the result of general neglect. While some signs of abuse are visible, many forms are subtle or hidden, especially when victims are unable to speak up due to cognitive or physical impairments.

South Carolina law prohibits all forms of abuse in long-term care settings. When abuse occurs, victims and their families may pursue legal action for damages, pain and suffering, and more.

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse takes many forms. Our Aiken legal team regularly handles claims involving:

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints can cause injuries such as bruises, broken bones, or head trauma.
  • Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation can lead to severe emotional distress and even depression or anxiety in elderly residents.
  • Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or exposure is considered abuse, especially when residents are unable to consent due to mental or physical limitations.
  • Neglect: Neglect may involve failing to provide essentials such as food, hydration, hygiene, or medical treatment. It can result in malnutrition, bedsores, infections, and preventable illnesses.
  • Financial Exploitation: Staff or outsiders may exploit elderly residents by stealing money, forging signatures, coercing changes in wills or financial accounts, or overcharging for services.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse

Understanding why nursing home abuse happens can help prevent further harm. Common causes include:

  • Understaffing: Many facilities are stretched thin, resulting in poor supervision and rushed care.
  • Inadequate Training: Staff without proper training may make medical mistakes or use inappropriate disciplinary methods.
  • Poor Hiring Practices: Facilities that fail to screen staff properly may hire individuals with histories of abuse or violence.
  • Lack of Oversight: Weak internal policies or insufficient management can allow abuse to go unchecked.
  • Corporate Greed: Some facilities prioritize profits over care, cutting corners that compromise resident safety.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our legal team works to uncover these systemic failures and bring them to light through detailed investigations and expert testimony.

Nursing Home Abuse FAQs

How do I know if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

Warning signs include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, sudden fear or anxiety, poor hygiene, weight loss, or financial irregularities. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek legal advice.

What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse in Aiken?

Immediately report the abuse to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and remove your loved one from danger if needed. Then, consult an Aiken nursing home abuse lawyer to protect your legal rights.

Can I sue a nursing home for abuse or neglect?

Yes. Victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other losses. In severe cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.

How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including nursing home abuse, is typically three years from the date of injury or discovery. However, you should speak to an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

What damages can I recover in a nursing home abuse lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish the facility for egregious conduct.

Speak With an Experienced Aiken Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

Elderly residents deserve dignity, respect, and quality care. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we take nursing home abuse cases seriously and fight to hold negligent facilities accountable.

Our legal team offers compassionate representation, aggressive advocacy, and a proven track record of success in elder abuse cases across South Carolina. We’ll listen to your concerns, investigate the abuse, and pursue full justice on your behalf.

Contact us at (803) 599-2207 to learn how we can help you today. Your journey to justice starts with a simple call.

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