Columbia Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorney

When families entrust their loved ones to a nursing home, they expect compassion, respect, and safety—not exploitation or abuse. Tragically, sexual abuse in nursing homes is a devastating reality that affects countless elderly residents each year. If you suspect or know that your loved one has suffered sexual abuse, you deserve justice and accountability.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Columbia nursing home sexual abuse lawyers help victims and their families take legal action against abusers and negligent facilities. We are dedicated to exposing misconduct, holding responsible parties accountable, and helping families reclaim a sense of safety and dignity for their loved ones.

Call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. In nursing homes, it can occur between staff and residents, residents themselves, or even visitors and contractors. Due to age-related conditions—such as dementia, physical disabilities, or dependence on caregivers—elderly residents are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

In South Carolina, sexual abuse in a nursing home may include both criminal offenses and civil negligence claims. Criminal charges can lead to incarceration for perpetrators, while a civil claim allows victims and their families to seek financial compensation from the facility for failing to prevent or address the abuse.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Columbia nursing home sexual abuse attorneys understand both sides of this process and can help you pursue justice in every available legal avenue.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Sexual abuse in nursing homes can take many disturbing forms, including:

• Unwanted sexual touching or fondling – Any physical contact of a sexual nature without consent.
• Sexual assault or rape – Forced sexual acts involving physical coercion or manipulation.
• Exposure or lewd behavior – Staff or residents exposing themselves to others.
• Forced nudity – Forcing a resident to undress for non-medical reasons.
• Verbal sexual harassment – Lewd comments, inappropriate jokes, or suggestive remarks.
• Inappropriate photographing or filming – Taking or sharing intimate images without consent.

Each of these actions violates both the law and basic human dignity. Nursing homes are legally obligated to prevent, investigate, and report all forms of sexual abuse. When they fail to do so, they can and should be held liable.

Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Many victims of nursing home sexual abuse are unable—or afraid—to report what happened to them. That makes it critical for families to remain observant for warning signs of abuse.

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or injury around the genitals or thighs
• Torn or stained clothing or underwear
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Sudden urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Emotional or Behavioral Signs:

• Withdrawal or fear around certain staff members
• Sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Reluctance to be touched or bathed
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Fear of being left alone

If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to act quickly. Report your suspicions to nursing home management and authorities—and then contact Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to discuss your legal options. Our Columbia nursing home sexual abuse lawyers can help protect your loved one and ensure their rights are fully defended.

How a Columbia Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

When abuse occurs, you deserve more than apologies—you deserve accountability and compensation. Our attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC will:

• Investigate the Abuse: Gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and staff reports to build a strong case.
• Hold the Facility Accountable: Nursing homes can be liable for hiring unqualified staff, failing to conduct background checks, or ignoring prior complaints.
• Work with Experts: Medical, forensic, and psychological experts can help demonstrate the full extent of harm.
• Pursue Maximum Compensation: We seek damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
• Protect Your Family’s Privacy: We handle all cases with discretion, compassion, and respect.

We understand how painful these cases can be. Our goal is not only to win justice but also to help your family heal and move forward.

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

While no system is perfect, nursing homes must take every possible measure to prevent sexual abuse. This includes:

• Conducting thorough background checks on all staff and contractors
• Providing training on elder rights and abuse prevention
• Implementing strict supervision policies
• Ensuring proper staffing ratios to reduce isolation and neglect
• Establishing clear reporting procedures for suspected abuse

When facilities cut corners or fail to follow state and federal safety regulations, they endanger every resident. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure they face the consequences of their negligence.

Nursing Home Sexual Abuse FAQs

What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being abused?

If you suspect abuse, remove your loved one from immediate danger, document any injuries or concerning behavior, and report the abuse to local authorities and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Then contact a Columbia nursing home sexual abuse lawyer at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC for guidance on your next steps.

Can the nursing home be held responsible?

Yes. Facilities can be held legally liable for abuse committed by employees or residents if they failed to properly screen staff, ignored complaints, or did not adequately supervise residents.

What compensation can we seek?

Victims and their families may recover compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the abuse.

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

In South Carolina, most nursing home abuse claims must be filed within three years of discovering the abuse, but deadlines can vary. Acting quickly ensures your attorney can preserve crucial evidence.

Will my loved one need to testify?

Not always. Our team will work to protect your loved one from additional trauma. In many cases, we can pursue compensation and accountability without requiring them to testify in court.

Contact a Columbia Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

If your loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a Columbia nursing home, you do not have to face this painful situation alone. The compassionate legal team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is ready to stand by your side, expose wrongdoing, and demand justice.

Contact us today to let us protect your loved one's rights and best interests.