If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Nursing home abuse is an egregious violation of trust and safety.
Residents and their families put their faith in these facilities to provide compassionate, attentive care. When that trust is broken and vulnerable seniors suffer abuse, those responsible must be fully accountable.
An experienced South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney can assess your case and fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve.
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NURSING HOME ABUSE IS SHOCKINGLY COMMON
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes are far more prevalent than most people realize. Common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse (hitting, pushing, improper use of restraints)
- Emotional abuse (yelling, isolating, shaming, ignoring)
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect of basic needs (malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene)
The effects of nursing home abuse can be devastating. Residents may suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial losses, and a severely diminished quality of life. Some may even lose their lives due to abuse or neglect.
That’s why it’s so important for victims and their families to take legal action with the help of a skilled nursing home abuse attorney. By holding abusers accountable, you can get the justice and compensation you deserve while helping prevent future abuse.
FACTORS THAT IMPACT THE VALUE OF A NURSING HOME ABUSE CLAIM
No two nursing home abuse cases are exactly alike. The value of a claim depends on the unique facts and impacts involved. However, some key factors tend to influence the potential compensation amount:
Severity and Type of Abuse
In general, the more severe, long-lasting, or life-changing the effects of the abuse, the higher the potential claim value. For example, a case involving a single instance of verbal abuse will likely be worth less than one involving repeated, severe physical abuse that causes significant injuries. Sexual abuse, broken bones, bed sores, and abuse leading to premature death tend to result in higher-value claims.
Impacts on the Victim
The extent of the victim’s physical, emotional, and financial damages plays a major role. Considerations include:
- Medical expenses for treating abuse-related injuries or health issues
- Costs of mental health treatment
- Disability or disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Diminished enjoyment and quality of life
- Reduced life expectancy
- Financial losses (e.g., from financial exploitation)
Generally, the greater and longer-lasting the impacts on the victim, the more a claim may be worth. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can gather extensive evidence of damages to build the strongest case.
Egregiousness of the Conduct
Particularly egregious, intentional, or reckless conduct by the abuser(s) can increase the potential value. For example, a case involving a single overwrought staff member who briefly loses their temper may be worth less than one involving a pattern of severe and deliberate abuse. Punitive damages to punish and deter egregious misconduct may be available in some cases.
Wrongdoing by the Nursing Home
Often, individual incidents of abuse are enabled by systemic failures and wrongdoing on the part of the nursing home. A facility that negligently hires abusive staff, understaffs, fails to properly train and supervise employees, or turns a blind eye to ongoing abuse can also be held liable. The more culpable the facility’s conduct, the higher the potential claim value—especially if punitive damages are awarded.
Financial Resources of Defendants
The at-fault parties’ ability to pay compensation also impacts potential claim value. Most nursing homes carry liability insurance, which pays for abuse and neglect claims. Policies with higher coverage limits allow for higher potential settlements or judgments compared to an uninsured or underinsured individual abuser with limited assets.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER
The quality of your legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of your nursing home abuse claim. You need a lawyer with the experience, skills, and dedication to go up against nursing homes and their insurance companies. The right attorney can help maximize your compensation while providing much-needed support during a difficult time.
When selecting a nursing home abuse lawyer, look for the following:
Relevant Experience and Results
Ask about the lawyer’s specific experience handling nursing home abuse claims like yours. You want an attorney who thoroughly understands the complexities of these cases and has a track record of success in obtaining high-value settlements and verdicts for clients. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of their past case results.
Personalized Attention
Your nursing home abuse claim is deeply personal. You want a lawyer who will give you and your case the individualized attention you deserve. Find an attorney who takes the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and understand your unique needs and goals. You should feel confident that you’re more than just another case file to them.
Resources to Take Your Case to Trial
The vast majority of nursing home abuse claims settle out of court. However, you need a lawyer with the experience and resources to take your case to trial if the other side won’t agree to a fair settlement. Look for a well-established law firm with a reputation for success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
Genuine Compassion and Communication
Nursing home abuse takes a steep emotional toll. You want a lawyer who combines fierce advocacy with genuine compassion for what you’re going through. Look for an attorney who demonstrates empathy, keeps you informed at every step, and promptly responds to your calls and emails. You should feel supported and heard throughout the process.
CONTACT A NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER
If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. You may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.
The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of the abuse, the extent of injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the wrongdoing of the defendants, but the best way to find out the value of your claim is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer.