Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Serving the communities of Columbia, Sumter, and Newberry, South Carolina
Nursing home abuse is a serious offense that is unfortunately becoming a growing epidemic in the United States today as the number of elderly in our population continues to increase. Residents of nursing homes are extremely vulnerable and can be, and often are, manipulated, humiliated or harmed by those very people who are supposed to be caring for them. Nursing home abuse includes neglect, theft, coercion and active abuse such as physical, emotional or, shockingly, even sexual assault.
In a recent 2-year period, over 5,000 nursing homes in the U.S. were cited for abuse violations. That makes up over 30% of America's nursing homes. Many residents of nursing homes are afraid to report their abusers for fear of their own safety. Because these cases can often times be difficult to prove, nursing home abuse cases require an experienced attorney. The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. have more than 30 years experience helping those who have been victims of nursing home abuse.
Federal and state governments have passed laws to insure that nursing home residents receive the care, treatment and quality of life to which they are entitled.
How do you know when a nursing home is violating the rights of a loved one you've entrusted to their care? Be alert to signs of:
- Bed sores
- Malnutrition
- Over-sedation
- Poor hygiene
- Falls and fractures
- Failure to provide adequate food and water
- Decubitus ulcers
- Gangrene
- Weight loss
Nursing home abuse is often caused by inadequate staffing. Often, there are simply not enough nurses available to provide proper and adequate care to residents. Many facilities also don't meet minimum state health and safety standards. This can lead to problems such as:
- fire safety violations
- loose handrails
- pest infestations
- improper food handling
- bad odors and unhygienic conditions from urine and feces — all of which lead to dangerous and abusive conditions for the elderly residents.
The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. are dedicated to protecting the rights of its clients. Accordingly, if your loved one has been the victim of nursing abuse, please contact the attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. in South Carolina for an initial consultation.
With offices in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to serve you. Call us today at 1-800-694-0994.
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