The COVID-19 pandemic has left the elderly population extremely vulnerable – especially those in nursing homes. Sadly, many long-term care facilities have failed to adequately protect their residents from the virus, leading to horrific outcomes.
If someone you love has become infected or died from coronavirus while living in a South Carolina nursing home, the attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates may be able to help.
Nursing home negligence allegations
Nursing homes are required to follow strict federal and state guidelines in order to operate, but all too often they fail to meet even the most basic of expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on many such facilities.
Many nursing homes have been accused of acting too late – or not acting at all – to protect residents against the coronavirus. The state of South Carolina has seen coronavirus outbreaks in at least 83 long-term care facilities.
As of May 1, 2020, nursing home-related coronavirus deaths accounted for 27% of South Carolina’s total COVID-19 death toll. Although the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has now issued guidance and said it will be testing all nursing home residents and staff members for coronavirus, that’s too little too late for families that have already lost a loved one to COVID-19.
Loved One Infected or Worse While In a Nursing Home?
Allegations against nursing homes include failure to:
- Monitor residents and staff members for symptoms
- Implement effective safety protocols
- Properly and frequently sanitize the premises
- Isolate potentially infected residents
- Implement a respiratory surveillance program
- Restrict all visitors, non-essential staff, and volunteers from entering
- Cancel all group activities
- Provide staff with essentials including masks and gloves
- Allow symptomatic staff to take time off work
- Report cases to the local public health office
- Follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance
While the general population in South Carolina is largely able to self-isolate and take necessary precautions during the coronavirus outbreak, nursing home residents don’t have that same option. Instead, they rely on care facilities to make smart choices on their behalf.Nursing homes that have failed to abide by the guidelines listed above have recklessly endangered the lives of their residents and should be held accountable.
It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help.
The lawyers at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates understand that losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a tragic and painful reality that many people across the country are currently facing, and they want to help affected families receive the compensation they’re owed.
In a COVID-19 lawsuit, your loved one’s nursing home could be held liable for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Wrongful death
McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates has a strong track record of fighting for what’s right. That’s why the law firm wants to hear about your loved one who became ill or died from coronavirus while living in a South Carolina nursing home. Call us at 803-520-9157 for a free case evaluation so we can learn more about your situation and determine whether you might be entitled to compensation.
Loved One Infected or Worse While In a Nursing Home?