Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes have a legal obligation to maintain high standards of care. Part of this responsibility is hiring trustworthy, caring staff members. Nevertheless, over 15 percent of publicly funded nursing homes in South Carolina — 31 out of 189 — are rated as 1 out of 5 stars by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Several of these below-average homes have citations for abuse.

The problem is not limited to public services. Private, for-profit nursing homes are also experiencing an epidemic of abuse. These malicious acts could have a profound impact on the life and health of your loved one in long-term care. Each Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer at The Stanley Law Group operates with a simple belief: You and your family deserve better.

What Counts as Nursing Home Abuse?

Elder abuse takes many forms. Tragically, it is becoming more common as the population ages and more people enter long-term care facilities. Usually, it is first identified by its results, which could include bedsores, bruises, changes in mood, strange estate planning decisions, unwarranted gift-giving and so on. Elders in residential care are nearly always unable or unwilling to report abuse by nurses or other caregivers — it is unfortunately often up to families to remain vigilant. If you suspect something is happening, that is probably cause for further investigation.

Nursing homes should be healthy, safe environments. To promote this ideal, South Carolina law could provide recourse for victims of the following types of abuse:

Psychological: Authoritarian punishment of any kind. Belittlement, teasing, mocking, confinement, withholding food or water. This could extend to publications on the internet.
Sexual: Any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual act, such as groping or touching. Most seniors with dementia cannot legally give consent.
Physical: Harmful physical contact, including shoving, grabbing, hitting and so on, especially when not necessary.
Financial: Stealing, coercing or tricking. Might include scams, confidence schemes or outright theft.

Why Do People Abuse Elders?

There are two parts to any act of abuse — those who perpetrate the act and those who create an environment conducive to violence and unkindness. The National Institute of Justice has stated that those predisposed to taking advantage of the elderly often display certain commonalities:

  • Normalization of violence
  • Mental illness or drug addiction
  • Feelings of superiority or of being undervalued
  • Desire to exert control

These factors are risks in professions that provide autonomy and authority, such as nursing. Institutions should know that this type of behavior often leads to abuse. When nursing homes fail to screen applicants or supervise their employees, they create the environment abuse needs.

Still Unsure? Contact us Today for a Consultation

Neglect and abuse are never acceptable, regardless of the situation. Let the Lexington nursing home abuse attorneys at The Stanley Law Group investigate your suspicions and pursue any claim you might have.

Our experienced legal team is standing by to provide an initial analysis of your case — completely free and with no obligation to continue. Call us at 803-799-4700 today to schedule an appointment.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Skip footer and go back to main navigation