Nursing home negligence can take many forms, but it usually involves failing to properly care for patients or maintain the nursing facility. In these situations, nursing home residents can suffer serious medical complications, including injuries, illnesses, or even death.
If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or negligence, you must seek help from an experienced nursing home negligence attorney in Charleston right away. The skilled legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can immediately investigate your circumstances, determine your legal options, and pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
For a free case evaluation with an experienced Charleston nursing home negligence attorney, please contact us online today.
Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Guide
- Why Choose Us for Your Charleston Nursing Home Legal Needs?
- What Is the Value of Your Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Case?
- Common Locations Where Negligence Occurs in Charleston Nursing Homes
- Common Categories of Nursing Home Negligence in Charleston
- Types of Injuries in Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Cases
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Case
- Steps to Take after an Incident of Nursing Home Negligence in Charleston
- Contact an Experienced Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Today
Why Choose Us for Your Charleston Nursing Home Legal Needs?
If you or someone you love suffered an injury or illness due to nursing home negligence, the experienced lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers are ready to assist. We can pursue favorable settlement compensation on your behalf or file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court.
Our lawyers have a strong track record of success in recovering favorable compensation for victims of nursing home negligence. Moreover, we limit our annual caseloads, allowing us to give each case – and client – the individualized attention they deserve. You can see some of our most recent client testimonials here.
Our office currently has locations in Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Murrells Inlet, and Columbia. Let us seek the compensation you deserve for medical complications arising from nursing home negligence.
What Is the Value of Your Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Case?
Determining the value of a Charleston nursing home negligence case involves several factors and types of recoverable compensation.
When negligence occurs in a nursing home setting, victims may recover compensation to help cover their damages:
- One significant factor in assessing the value of a nursing home negligence case is the extent of harm that the victim suffered. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, and any financial losses incurred because of the negligence. For instance, if a resident suffers from bedsores due to inadequate care, they may recover compensation for medical expenses related to treating them and any pain and suffering they endured.
- Medical expenses are a crucial component of recoverable compensation in nursing home negligence cases. This can include costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Additionally, victims may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses if their injuries require long-term treatment or care.
- Pain and suffering damages are also commonly available in nursing home negligence cases. This type of compensation provides monetary relief for the physical pain and emotional distress the victim endured because of the negligence. Determining the value of pain and suffering damages requires an experienced lawyer, as no specific formula can calculate them. Instead, we consider the severity of injuries, the extent of the victim’s pain, and the effects on the victim’s daily life.
Finally, courts may award punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious acts of negligence or misconduct by the nursing home. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
The experienced legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can determine the likely settlement or verdict value of your unique nursing home negligence case and maximize your recovery.
Common Locations Where Negligence Occurs in Charleston Nursing Homes
Negligence in Charleston nursing homes can occur in various locations, including:
- Resident Rooms – Residents may be left unattended for long periods, leading to falls, bedsores, or missed medication doses. Poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, and lack of mobility assistance are other common issues that arise in these areas.
- Bathrooms—Bathrooms also pose significant risks for elderly residents, especially those with mobility issues. Slippery floors, a lack of grab bars, and insufficient supervision can result in falls and serious injuries.
- Dining Areas—Negligence can manifest in the form of improper nutrition and hydration in dining areas. Residents may receive food that does not meet their dietary needs or preferences, leading to malnutrition or dehydration. Additionally, choking hazards are a concern, especially for those with swallowing difficulties.
- Common Areas – These areas, where residents gather for social activities, can also be sites of negligence. Insufficient supervision can lead to accidents, conflicts among residents, or emotional neglect.
- Medication Rooms – Medication errors can occur due to incorrect dosages, missed medications, or administering the wrong drugs. These mistakes can also have severe health consequences for residents.
- Outdoor Areas – Negligence can also occur in outdoor spaces if they are not properly maintained – or if residents are left unsupervised. Common risks include falls, exposure to extreme weather, or wandering off.
If you or someone you love suffered a medical complication in one of these nursing home areas, the skilled legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is ready to help. Our team can swiftly investigate the circumstances and advise you on all available legal options.
Common Categories of Nursing Home Negligence in Charleston
In Charleston, South Carolina, nursing home negligence encompasses failures and misconduct that compromise the safety and well-being of residents:
- One common type of nursing home negligence in Charleston is medical negligence. This includes errors in medication administration, failure to provide timely medical care, misdiagnosis, and neglect of residents’ medical needs. Medical negligence can also lead to serious consequences for residents, including worsened health conditions, complications, and even death.
- Another common form of negligence in nursing homes is neglect of basic needs. This includes failing to provide residents with adequate food, water, and hygiene assistance. Neglect of basic needs can also result in malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, infections, and other health issues. Nursing homes have a duty to ensure that residents’ basic needs are met and they receive the assistance and care necessary for their well-being.
- Physical abuse is a disturbing but unfortunately all-too-common type of nursing home negligence in Charleston. This can involve hitting, pushing, restraining, or otherwise physically harming residents. Physical abuse can also cause physical injuries, pain, emotional trauma, and loss of dignity for victims.
- Negligence in fall prevention is another significant concern in Charleston nursing homes. Elderly residents are at an increased risk of falls due to mobility issues, medication side effects, and environmental hazards. Nursing homes have a duty to assess residents’ fall risks and implement measures to prevent accidents, such as installing handrails, providing mobility aids, and keeping floors clear of obstacles. Neglecting fall prevention measures can result in serious injuries, fractures, head trauma, and other harm to residents.
- Lastly, emotional and psychological neglect can have profound effects on nursing home residents’ well-being. This includes neglecting residents’ emotional needs, failing to provide social interaction and stimulation, and subjecting residents to verbal abuse or intimidation. Emotional neglect can also lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life for residents.
If nursing home abuse or neglect hurt you or a loved one, you are not alone. The experienced legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can review your options with you, answer your questions, and develop a plan of action to recover the compensation you need.
Types of Injuries in Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Cases
In Charleston nursing home negligence cases, injuries and medical complications can occur – sometimes at the hands of nursing home employees:
- One common type of injury in nursing home negligence cases is physical harm resulting from falls. Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to falls due to factors like impaired mobility, medication side effects, and environmental hazards. Falls can cause fractures, traumatic head and brain injuries (TBIs), bruises, and sprains, leading to pain, disability, and decreased quality of life for affected residents.
- Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are another common injury in nursing home negligence cases. These painful wounds develop when residents remain in the same position for prolonged periods without proper repositioning and care. If left untreated, bedsores can lead to infections, tissue damage, and serious complications.
- Medication errors can also result in significant harm to nursing home residents. Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to provide medication as prescribed can lead to adverse drug reactions, worsening of medical conditions, and other health complications.
- Malnutrition and dehydration are also serious concerns in nursing homes – particularly when residents do not receive adequate food and fluids. These conditions can weaken residents’ immune systems, impair cognitive functioning, and exacerbate existing health issues. Malnutrition and dehydration may also indicate neglect of residents’ basic needs and can have long-term effects on their health and overall enjoyment of life.
- Emotional and psychological injuries are also common in nursing home negligence cases. Residents may experience depression, anxiety, and emotional distress due to neglect, abuse, or social isolation within the facility. Emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and require attention and support from caregivers and mental health professionals.
If you or someone you love experienced medical complications due to nursing home abuse or neglect, the skilled legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can promptly investigate the circumstances and determine your eligibility for pursuing a legal claim against the facility. We can then aggressively negotiate on your behalf for the fair compensation you deserve.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Case
Hire a skilled lawyer when fighting the insurance company in a Charleston nursing home negligence case.
Here’s how we can advocate for you or your loved one at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers:
- First, we will thoroughly investigate your case to gather evidence of negligence. This may involve reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts to build a strong case against the nursing home and its insurance company.
- Next, we will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies are known for employing tactics to minimize payouts, such as offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. We will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- We will not hesitate to take your case to court if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome. We can prepare a compelling argument and present evidence to prove the nursing home’s liability and the extent of your damages. With our legal knowledge and courtroom experience, we will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Throughout the legal process, we will provide guidance and support, keeping you informed every step of the way. We will also explain your rights, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.
Importantly, our team is motivated by your best interests – not the insurance company’s bottom line. Consequently, we will work tirelessly to pursue justice on your behalf, holding the negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Steps to Take after an Incident of Nursing Home Negligence in Charleston
If nursing home negligence injured you or your loved one in Charleston, to protect your rights and seek justice:
- First, report the negligence to the appropriate authorities, such as the nursing home administration, state regulatory agencies, or law enforcement. Document your concerns in writing and keep records of any communication with the nursing home.
- Next, gather evidence to support your claim of negligence. This may include medical records, incident reports, photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions, and witness statements. Retain all documentation related to any medical care or changes in condition.
Then, never wait to consult a knowledgeable Charleston nursing home negligence attorney as soon as possible. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can provide valuable guidance and legal representation, advocating for you or your loved one’s rights and pursuing a favorable monetary award.
Contact an Experienced Charleston Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence, you should seek legal help as quickly as possible. The skilled team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can aggressively advocate for your interests and pursue the financial recovery you need.
Please contact us online today at (843) 466-4444 for your free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Charleston.
