There is no reason for nursing home abuse to happen in Orangeburg, South Carolina or anywhere else. If you or a family member is the victim of abuse in a nursing home, report the issue to authorities immediately. Also, you can get help from an Orangeburg personal injury lawyer.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases against nursing homes. For more information, please reach out to us. An Orangeburg nursing home abuse attorney from our team can review your case.
How to Deal with Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse was a big problem in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to human rights advocacy and research group Human Rights Watch. Common symptoms of nursing home abuse reported during this time included:
- Dehydration
- Extreme weight loss
- Inappropriate use of medications
- Poor hygiene
- Untreated bedsores
If you or a family member is dealing with nursing home abuse, contact Adult Protective Services (APS) of South Carolina. For those dealing with a life-threatening situation, call 911. After doing either of these things, you can consult with a personal injury lawyer as well.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers legal assistance to nursing home abuse victims in Orangeburg and its surrounding communities. To learn more, please get in touch with us. Our Orangeburg nursing home abuse lawyer can take a look at your claim and help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
What It Takes to Seek Damages as Part of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
The physical, mental, and emotional impact of nursing home abuse can be significant. Even if you report abuse in a nursing home and address the issue, the impact of the abuse can last a lifetime. With help from a nursing home abuse lawyer in Orangeburg, you can pursue compensation from anyone that allowed your abuse to happen.
Initially, a nursing home abuse attorney in Orangeburg learns about your case. They will ask you questions to get as much information as they can about the abuse you have suffered. In addition, the attorney can provide you with legal resources as you decide whether to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
If you choose to sue any at-fault parties, your lawyer will make sure that your lawsuit is filed in accordance with South Carolina’s statute of limitations. You have a maximum of three years to pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. By meeting with a lawyer, you can file your lawsuit in alignment with South Carolina law and boost your chances of getting the best-possible case results.
How Much Money You Can Be Awarded in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
It can be difficult to determine how much to request in a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Fortunately, your lawyer will go over the damages you have suffered as part of the pre-litigation for your personal injury claim. Together, you and your lawyer can then figure out a suitable amount of damages to request.
Your lawyer will encourage you to ask for both economic and non-economic damages. A judge or jury offers economic damages based on your medical bills and other quantifiable losses you have suffered. You may receive non-economic damages based on loss of companionship or other subjective losses.
The total you request in a nursing home abuse lawsuit can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Regardless of how much you seek in damages, your lawyer prepares a strong case. Your attorney works with you to develop an argument that makes it clear to a judge or jury why you deserve full damages.
When to File a Wrongful Death Claim for Nursing Home Abuse
You can seek money in a nursing home abuse lawsuit filed on behalf of a late family member. In this situation, you must be able to show that a family member died as a result of abuse in a nursing home. If you can do so, you can submit a wrongful death claim.
An attorney can help you pursue damages in a wrongful death claim against a nursing home where the abuse occurred. You will need to provide evidence that indicates your late family member suffered abuse in the nursing home. Over the course of your litigation, your attorney will help you craft an argument that shows the extent of the harm your family member suffered under the watch of abusive nursing home staff.
Like a personal injury claim in South Carolina, you have a three-year window to seek damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are considering a wrongful death claim, it is in your best interests to consult with a lawyer. You can then share details about your claim, and the attorney can help you determine the best course of action.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Case Can Get Settled Without a Trial
If you collect an abundance of evidence to support your nursing home abuse claim, the defendant in your case may feel it is best to propose a settlement. At this point, the defendant can propose a settlement. You should not verbally accept a settlement offer, and instead, review the proposal with your attorney.
It may be tempting to accept a nursing home abuse settlement, so you can close your case. On the other hand, approving a subpar settlement proposal prevents you from getting fair compensation. If you are on the fence about what to do with an offer, your attorney can provide insights into all of the options at your disposal.
Your lawyer wants you to make informed decisions throughout the legal process. If you receive a settlement proposal but feel it is less than what you are willing to accept, you should not hesitate to decline the offer. Next, your attorney will notify the defendant about your decision, and you and your lawyer can keep searching for ways to strengthen your case.
Get Started with Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has plenty of experience with personal injury claims, and we can help you with your nursing home abuse case. To get started, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
