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Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, from failing to properly care for nursing home patients to actively mistreating or abusing them. If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse, consult a trusted law firm right away.

The knowledgeable and compassionate Myrtle Beach nursing abuse lawyers at Hughey Law Firm can investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, determine the available legal options, and take the appropriate steps on your loved one’s behalf.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced Myrtle Beach nursing home abuse attorneys, please contact our legal team directly today.

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Myrtle Beach Nursing Home Abuse Guide

Why Select Us for Representation?

Hughey Law Firm Attorneys

If you believe that your loved one is being abused at a local nursing home, you want an experienced team of attorneys in your corner advocating for you. At Hughey Law Firm, our team can file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of your loved one against the nursing home, seeking various types of compensation. If the nursing home’s insurance company refuses to compensate your loved one fairly, then we may litigate the case in court.

Our firm has a “no win, no fee” philosophy, meaning that you don’t pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Some of our most recent client case results from both personal injury and nursing home abuse matters can be found by clicking here.

We have convenient offices in Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Let us pursue the compensation your loved one deserves right away.

How Much Is a Myrtle Beach Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?

Determining the value of a nursing home abuse or negligence case in Myrtle Beach involves various factors, including the severity of the harm, the extent of damages, and the legal nuances of the case.

Victims of nursing home abuse or negligence may pursue compensation through a claim or lawsuit to recover damages for their suffering.

In such cases, compensation typically aims to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll inflicted upon the victim.

These damages can include economic and non-economic damages:

  • Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses that the victim has incurred as a direct result of the abuse or negligence. This may include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, medication costs, and rehabilitation fees.
  • Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are less tangible but equally important in recognizing the harm that the victim suffered. These damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, and mental anguish. Determining the value of non-economic damages requires assessing the effects of the abuse or negligence on the victim’s quality of life and overall well-being.
  • In some cases, punitive damages may also punish the nursing home for egregious misconduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages send a message that the court finds such behavior unacceptable.

To determine the worth of a Myrtle Beach nursing home abuse or negligence case, we consider the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and the extent of the victim’s damages. The skilled attorneys at Hughey Law Firm can estimate the likely value of your loved one’s case and determine the types of available compensation.

Common Settings for Nursing Home Abuse in Myrtle Beach

Hughey Law Firm

Nursing home abuse can occur in various settings, and Myrtle Beach is no exception.

One common setting for nursing home abuse in Myrtle Beach is understaffed facilities. When nursing homes are understaffed, caregivers may struggle to meet the needs of all residents, leading to neglect or abuse. Inadequate staffing levels can also result in rushed care, missed medications, and overlooked signs of abuse or neglect.

Another common setting is poorly managed facilities. Nursing homes with inadequate management may lack proper oversight, policies, and procedures to prevent abuse. Without effective leadership, staff members may not receive adequate training or supervision, increasing the risk of abuse or neglect going unchecked.

Additionally, nursing home abuse often occurs in facilities with a history of violations or deficiencies.

Facilities cited for regulatory violations or substandard care patterns may be more prone to abuse or neglect. Residents in these facilities may be at higher risk due to systemic issues that compromise their safety and well-being.

Furthermore, isolated or unsupervised areas within nursing homes can be breeding grounds for abuse. Common areas – such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and secluded corners – may provide perpetrators with opportunities to abuse residents away from the watchful eyes of staff or other residents.

Lastly, nursing home abuse can occur during care transitions, such as during shift changes or when residents transfer between units or facilities. These transitional periods may create confusion or gaps in communication, making residents more vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Myrtle Beach

Nursing home abuse in Myrtle Beach can manifest in various forms, each posing significant risks to the safety and well-being of residents.

  • One common form of nursing home abuse is physical abuse, which involves the intentional use of force to cause harm or injury to a resident. This may include hitting, pushing, restraining, or using excessive force during care procedures. Physical abuse can result in bruises, cuts, fractures, or other injuries and may leave lasting psychological trauma on the victim.
  • Another type of abuse is emotional or psychological abuse, which can have profound effects on a resident’s mental health and emotional well-being. Emotional abuse may involve verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation. Caregivers who engage in emotional abuse may manipulate or control residents through fear or coercion, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
  • Financial exploitation is also a common form of nursing home abuse, particularly among vulnerable elderly residents. Caregivers or staff members may exploit residents financially by stealing money or valuables, coercing them into signing over assets or misusing their financial resources without consent. Financial exploitation can leave residents financially destitute and unable to afford necessary care or support.
  • Neglect is another serious form of abuse that occurs when caregivers fail to meet the basic needs of residents, such as food, water, medication, hygiene, or adequate medical care. Neglect may result from understaffing, inadequate training, or indifference to the well-being of residents. Prolonged neglect can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, pressure ulcers, infections, or other serious health complications.
  • Lastly, sexual abuse is a deeply disturbing form of nursing home abuse that involves any unwanted sexual contact, coercion, or exploitation of a resident. Perpetrators of sexual abuse may be staff members, other residents, or visitors to the facility. Victims of sexual abuse may experience physical injuries, emotional trauma, or sexually transmitted infections and may be reluctant to report the abuse due to shame, fear, or confusion.

Reporting suspicions of abuse to the appropriate authorities and seeking legal assistance can hold proper parties accountable – and prevent further harm to vulnerable residents.

Injuries and Medical Complications Resulting from Myrtle Beach Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse or neglect in Myrtle Beach can lead to a range of injuries, illnesses, and medical complications that profoundly affect the health and well-being of residents.

  • Physical injuries are among the most apparent consequences of nursing home abuse or neglect. Residents may suffer from bruises, cuts, fractures, or head injuries because of physical abuse or falls due to inadequate supervision or safety measures. These injuries can lead to pain, disability, and reduced mobility, affecting the resident’s quality of life and independence.
  • Malnutrition and dehydration are also common consequences of neglect in nursing homes. When residents do not receive adequate nutrition or hydration due to neglectful care or intentional withholding of food and water, they may experience weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and impaired immune function. Malnutrition and dehydration can increase the risk of infections, slow wound healing, and exacerbate existing health conditions.
  • Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are another common complication of nursing home neglect. When residents are left immobile for extended periods without proper repositioning or skincare, they may develop pressure ulcers on bony prominences, such as the heels, hips, or sacrum. Pressure ulcers can be painful, difficult to heal, and prone to infection, posing serious risks to the resident’s health and well-being.
  • Untreated medical conditions or infections are also common consequences of nursing home neglect. When caregivers fail to monitor residents’ health, administer medications as prescribed, or seek timely medical attention for symptoms of illness or injury, residents may suffer from worsening health conditions, complications, or preventable hospitalizations.

Furthermore, psychological and emotional consequences, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can result from nursing home abuse or neglect. Residents who experience abuse or neglect may develop feelings of fear, helplessness, or mistrust toward caregivers, leading to long-term psychological trauma and diminished quality of life.

Fighting the Insurance Company after an Incident of Nursing Home Abuse in Myrtle Beach

Fighting the insurance company after nursing home abuse in Myrtle Beach can be tough, but having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a big difference. Skilled nursing home abuse lawyers know the ins and outs of navigating insurance claims and can provide invaluable support every step of the way.

First, an experienced lawyer can gather all the necessary evidence to support a claim or lawsuit. This includes medical records, witness statements, photos of injuries, and any past complaints against the nursing home. Building a solid case with this evidence is crucial for getting the compensation you or your loved one deserve.

Navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance procedures can also be confusing and overwhelming – especially when you or your loved one is already dealing with the aftermath of abuse.

A lawyer who regularly handles nursing home abuse cases can guide you through the process, explaining your rights and options along the way.

Moreover, insurance companies frequently try to settle claims quickly – and for much less than they’re worth – hoping to avoid a costly legal battle. But with a skilled lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that your loved one’s rights will be protected.

Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and aggressively pursue fair compensation for various injuries and losses.

In some cases, litigation may be necessary to hold the nursing home and insurance company accountable. If your loved one’s case goes to court, a lawyer will represent them and present evidence to support the claim.

At Hughey Law Firm, our experienced team will do everything possible to maximize the compensation award your loved one ultimately receives.

Steps to Take Following an Incident of Nursing Home Abuse in Myrtle Beach

Following an incident of nursing home abuse in Myrtle Beach, it’s crucial to take swift and decisive action to protect yourself or your loved one and seek justice.

Here are the most important steps:

  • Ensure safety – If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or the authorities right away.
  • Seek medical attention – Get prompt medical care for any injuries sustained as a result of the abuse or neglect. Document the injuries with photographs and keep detailed records of all related medical treatments.
  • Consult a Myrtle Beach nursing home abuse lawyer– At Hughey Law Firm, we can explain your rights, navigate the legal process, and advocate for your best interests.
  • Report the abuse – Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to report the incident. You can also file a complaint with Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement.
  • Document evidence – Gather any evidence related to the abuse, including medical records, photographs, witness statements, and documentation of previous complaints or violations against the nursing home.
  • Consider relocation – If the abuse occurred in a nursing home, consider relocating the resident to a safer facility or alternative care arrangement.

Speak to Our Experienced Myrtle Beach Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today

Attorney Nathan Hughey

If you suspect that your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Myrtle Beach, you should consult with an experienced attorney right away.

The skilled lawyers at Hughey Law Firm can immediately investigate the circumstances, determine your options for moving forward, and pursue the compensation your loved one deserves.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney, please contact us at (843) 881-8644 for more information.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today!

Client Testimonial

“Thank you Hughey Law Firm! It was a pleasure to work with you on my case! From the beginning, every contact I had with your firm was professional, kind, helpful, and painless! I always felt kept in the loop, and important to you as a client. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney with integrity, I would highly recommend Hughey Law Firm!”

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Myrtle Beach Office – Hughey Law Firm LLP

1303 Azalea Ct, Myrtle Beach,
SC 29577, United States
Phone: (843) 881-8644