South Carolina Ranks Low In Nursing Home Protections

A recent study reports that South Carolina ranks last in the nation when it comes to protecting the elderly from elder abuse. Because of how serious elder abuse is, it is important for older Americans and their families to be familiar with the legal resources available to them if they have been harmed.

Factors the study evaluated in making its determination included the amount of elder abuse taking place in the state; the number of gross neglect and exploitation complaints; and the existence of financial elder abuse laws in the state. There are certain hurdles victims of elder abuse may encounter including statutes of limitation, which limit the amount of time they have to bring a claim, and other requirements that may be associated with bringing a claim for medical malpractice when a victim has been harmed in a nursing home.

Because of the complexities and timelines that may be involved in bringing a claim for nursing home abuse, it is essential for victims and their families to be familiar with the legal protections available to them. When a nursing home or nursing home staff has provided negligent care which has resulted in harm to the victim, legal resources, depending on the circumstances, may help victims and their families bring a claim for compensation of the damages they have suffered.

Victims and their families may be able to receive compensation for their physical, financial and emotional injuries and harm, including medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages as well. It is important to keep older Americans safe in nursing homes, and that their family members and loved ones can rely on and trust the care they receive, which is why they should be familiar with the legal protections available to them.