CALL US TODAY, TOLL FREe (864) 485-5555
REQUEST YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Request your Free Consultation

  • By providing my wireless phone number to The Melonakos Law Firm, I agree and acknowledge that The Melonakos Law Firm may send text message to my wireless phone number for any update, including marketing purposes.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ALL FIELDS REQUIRED *

REQUEST YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
hands of a caring caregiver touching an elder man

Families trust nursing homes to provide safe, compassionate care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, some long-term care facilities in South Carolina fail to meet basic standards, causing harm to vulnerable residents through abuse or neglect.

If you suspect a South Carolina nursing home has subjected your loved one to mistreatment, having skilled legal support can help you protect their rights and secure justice for your family. The dedicated nursing home abuse lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm are ready to fight for the fair compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case in confidence and without further obligations on your part.

Why Choose Our SC Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys?

When your family discovers a loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect at their nursing home, you need a South Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer with experience and a successful track record. Over the course of more than a decade, The Melonakos Law Firm has recovered more than $50 million for clients like you who have experienced harm due to others’ negligence. We’ve taken more than 60 cases to trial and are always prepared to provide the tenacious representation your case deserves.

The Melonakos Law Firm has earned recognition from Super Lawyers®, Expertise.com, and The National Trial Lawyers and is a member of numerous local and national legal organizations. The feedback we receive from our satisfied clients stands as a testament to our dedication to providing the highest level of service and support. For example, one of our previous clients had this to say about working with us:

“The Melonakos Law Firm is the best law firm I ever did business with! My attorney Ashleigh and Mike were very helpful and kept me updated with all of my important information I needed to know! There was never a time where I felt left out or confused. I definitely recommend this law firm, thank you so much for your help Ashleigh and Mike!” – Leonaggie

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in South Carolina

Nursing home abuse and neglect occur when facilities or caregivers fail to provide the level of care residents need and deserve. The mistreatment can stem from understaffing, lack of training, poor management practices, or intentional acts of harm.

Regardless of the cause, such behavior can seriously impact residents’ health, safety, finances, and well-being.

Some examples of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Psychological abuse 
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial abuse or exploitation
    • Medication errors
    • Poor hygiene care
    • Dehydration and malnutrition
    • Inadequate medical care
    • Development of pressure ulcers called bed sores

Signs of Potential Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

It’s important to know how to recognize common warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, as remaining vigilant can help protect your loved one from further harm. Residents often cannot speak up due to fear, cognitive impairments, or physical limitations, so pay attention to any unusual behavior or physical changes that may be indicative of mistreatment.

Signs of possible nursing home abuse or neglect include:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
  • Sudden changes in behavior or mood
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Rapid weight loss or dehydration
  • Bedsores or other untreated medical conditions
    • Dirty or unsafe living conditions
    • Missing personal items or money
    • Wandering or elopement
    • Fearfulness around staff members
    • Frequent infections or illnesses

If you notice any of these signs or other indicators of abuse or neglect, take immediate action to protect your loved one and seek legal guidance from our law firm.

Who Could Be Liable for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for nursing home abuse or neglect, depending on the circumstances. Determining liability often requires examining the actions – or inactions – of the many individuals and entities who may play a role in the resident’s care or be part of their everyday environment, such as:

  • Nursing home staff, including nurses or aides
  • Facility administrators or management
  • The nursing home itself as a corporate entity
  • Third-party contractors providing medical or support services
  • Other residents of the nursing home

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents

South Carolina law protects nursing home residents by guaranteeing their right to safe, dignified care. Under the South Carolina Omnibus Adult Protection Act, vulnerable adults in all settings have the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Nursing homes must meet federal and state standards to safeguard residents’ overall well-being or face possible criminal and civil penalties.

Residents of South Carolina nursing homes have the right to:

  • Receive adequate medical care and attention
  • Live in a clean, safe environment
  • Be treated with respect and dignity
  • Have personal privacy and confidentiality
  • Manage their own finances or choose a trusted representative
  • Report abuse without fear of retaliation

If a nursing home violates these rights, families can work with our South Carolina nursing home neglect lawyers to pursue legal action, protect their loved ones, and hold negligent parties accountable under state and federal regulations.

How We Investigate Nursing Home Abuse Claims in South Carolina

Investigating nursing home abuse claims requires thorough analysis and attention to detail. Our South Carolina lawyers for nursing home abuse start by listening to your concerns and gathering information about the situation when you suspect nursing home abuse. We review medical records, incident reports, staff credentials, and facility inspection records to identify signs of abuse or neglect. We may also interview witnesses, including other residents, staff members, and family members, to uncover additional evidence.

We often work with medical and elder care experts to evaluate a resident’s injuries and determine whether they resulted from negligence or intentional harm. Photographs of the injuries or unsafe conditions and video surveillance footage can also strengthen the case.

Once we gather and analyze the evidence, The Melonakos Law Firm will build a compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable. By identifying systemic issues or individual misconduct, we aim to secure compensation for your loved one and prevent similar harm to others in the facility.

Get Help from Our SC Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers Now

If your loved one has suffered from ill-treatment at the hands of their caregivers in a South Carolina nursing home, your family deserves the sense of closure that comes from knowing the perpetrators were held to account. Let The Melonakos Law Firm work with you to pursue the compensation and justice you and your loved one need to move forward.

Contact us today to meet with a South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney and discuss your legal options.

Request Your
Free Consultation

  • By providing my wireless phone number to The Melonakos Law Firm, I agree and acknowledge that The Melonakos Law Firm may send text message to my wireless phone number for any update, including marketing purposes.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ALL FIELDS REQUIRED *