Can South Carolina Nursing Homes Be Liable For Neglect?

843-491-5044If you see signs of neglect from the treatment your loved one is receiving at the nursing home, the staff may be determined to be negligent. While the definition of negligence varies from state to state, the basic definition of nursing home negligence in South Carolina generally refers to the failure to provide a nursing home resident with care and shelter in a professional, safe and healthy manner.

Your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect and abuse if you notice any of the following indicators:

• Weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Bedsores
• Bruises or other injuries
• Use of restraint systems
• Increased use of medications
• Behavioral changes

If you believe a nursing facility or its staff is not providing adequate care for your loved one, speak with the attorneys at the Maguire Law Firm. We will diligently work to hold nursing homes accountable for neglect and will seek to recover compensation* for your loved one’s injuries from nursing home falls and nursing home abuse.

What Should You Do If You Suspect A Facility Is Negligent?

The first thing you should do is to file a claim against the nursing home. Once you file, an investigation will be conducted of the circumstances surrounding the claim. The investigation may include interviews with nursing home staff and with other parties. Any documentation, photographs or supporting information you provide will also be considered and may help the case move forward more quickly.

Nursing Homes Are Liable For Wandering And Elopement

Both wandering and elopement pose serious risks to patients in a nursing facility. Wandering refers to patients who are able to move about freely inside a nursing home while elopement applies to patients who try to leave the facility unsupervised.

Every nursing home is responsible for developing a plan that ensures patients are safe and secure within the facility. Failing to create a plan to guard against wandering and elopement can lead to serious injury or death.

Nursing homes should provide proper supervision. Checking on patients at given times throughout the day or keeping the patients in a special locked corridor is standard procedure for safely monitoring the at-risk patients.

Many nursing homes use bracelets that will trigger an alarm if someone approaches the doors or exits the building. If a patient does exit the facility, there are often specific search procedures in place to locate the resident.

When nursing homes fail to take these measures, they are putting the well-being of their patients at risk. Our lawyers understand the rights that nursing home residents have and will ensure their interests are protected throughout the legal process.

Speak To A Skilled Attorney Today

Contact our Myrtle Beach office to schedule a consultation* by emailing our firm or calling us at 843-491-5044.

*Initial consultation is free. No fee if no recovery. Fees are computed before deducting expenses from recovery.