Greenville Elder Abuse Lawyer

Protecting the Rights and Dignity of South Carolina’s Seniors

Elder abuse and neglect are serious and heartbreaking issues that affect some of the most vulnerable members of our society. When nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or caregivers fail to provide proper care—or worse, intentionally cause harm—your loved one deserves justice. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Greenville elder abuse lawyers fight for elderly victims and their families to hold negligent or abusive parties accountable.

If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Our compassionate legal team can help investigate what happened, stop the abuse, and pursue full compensation for the harm caused.

Call (803) 599-2207 today for a free and confidential consultation.

What Is Considered Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm or risk of harm to an older adult. Unfortunately, it can take many forms—some obvious, others subtle. Recognizing the different types of abuse can help you protect your loved one before the situation worsens.

Common forms of elder abuse include:

• Physical abuse: Inflicting physical harm through hitting, slapping, pushing, or the improper use of restraints.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal insults, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation that causes emotional distress.
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly individual, especially those unable to consent.
• Financial exploitation: Stealing money, forging checks, manipulating wills, or coercing an elderly person to change financial documents.
• Neglect: Failure to provide basic necessities like food, water, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene.
• Abandonment: Leaving an elderly person without adequate support or supervision, often in unsafe conditions.

Elder abuse can occur in a variety of settings—nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, or even hospitals. If you notice unexplained injuries, sudden mood changes, poor hygiene, or withdrawal from social activities, these may be warning signs of abuse or neglect.

Who Is Liable for Elder Abuse?

Liability in elder abuse cases depends on the circumstances of the mistreatment and the setting in which it occurred. Our Greenville elder abuse attorney from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help identify all responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Nursing home staff or administrators: When caregivers fail to provide proper care, supervise residents, or follow safety procedures, the facility may be held accountable.
• Home health aides or caregivers: Individuals providing in-home care can be personally liable for acts of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Medical professionals: Doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers who fail to diagnose or report signs of abuse may also share liability.
• Third-party contractors: Maintenance staff, transport services, or other external workers who interact with residents could be responsible if they commit or enable abuse.
• Loved ones: Unfortunately, even those close to the elderly victim may take advantage of their vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to financial abuse.

In many cases, the facility itself may be held legally responsible under the doctrine of vicarious liability, meaning it can be sued for the wrongful actions of its employees or for failing to enforce proper policies, training, and oversight.

What to Do If Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused

If you suspect elder abuse, swift and decisive action can make all the difference in your loved one’s safety and wellbeing. Here’s what you should do:

• Ensure immediate safety: If your loved one is in danger, contact local authorities or call 911 right away. You can also report abuse to South Carolina’s Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Document everything: Take detailed notes, photos of injuries, and records of changes in behavior or appearance. Keep copies of medical reports, financial statements, and communications with the facility.
• Report the abuse: In South Carolina, suspected elder abuse can be reported to APS or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Reporting helps trigger an investigation and ensures that the abuse is formally documented.
• Consult with a Greenville elder abuse lawyer: Our team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can guide you through your legal options, conduct an independent investigation, and help protect your loved one’s rights.

Our firm can also assist in transferring your loved one to a safer environment while we pursue legal action against the responsible parties.

Seeking Compensation for Elder Abuse

Victims of elder abuse and their families may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm suffered. This may include:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or quality of life
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our attorneys are committed to securing maximum compensation and ensuring that negligent facilities and caregivers are held accountable. We approach each case with compassion, thorough investigation, and unwavering advocacy.

Elder Abuse Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file an elder abuse claim in South Carolina?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the abuse or discovery of the harm to file a personal injury claim. However, exceptions may apply depending on the type of abuse and where it occurred. It’s best to consult a Greenville elder abuse lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines.

What evidence is needed to prove elder abuse?

Evidence may include medical records, witness statements, photographs of injuries, facility logs, and financial records. Our legal team can help gather and preserve key evidence to strengthen your case.

Can I file a claim if my loved one passed away from abuse or neglect?

Yes. If elder abuse led to your loved one’s death, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim on their behalf. This can help hold the responsible parties accountable and provide financial relief for your family.

Do I need to pay upfront legal fees?

No. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we handle elder abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact a Greenville Elder Abuse Attorney Today

Your loved one deserves respect, safety, and compassionate care. If those entrusted with their wellbeing have violated that trust, you have the right to demand justice.

Our Greenville elder abuse lawyers at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC are ready to fight for your family. We’ll handle every step of the legal process—from investigation to negotiation or trial—so you can focus on your loved one’s recovery.

Contact us today to start your path to justice, knowing our team is on your side, committed to protecting your interests.