When people place their loved ones in nursing homes, they do so with the expectation that the elderly person will be properly cared for and treated well. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Whether through malicious physical abuse, theft, or neglect, many elderly people suffer every year at the hands of nursing home staff. If you believe that someone you love may be the victim of elder abuse, take the following steps and call our firm at (864) 408-8883.Verify Their Story
Prior to contacting authorities and attorneys, you should try to verify any claims which your loved one makes. While you may not suspect them of lying, they may not be expressing themselves in the most clear or coherent way. If you aren’t able to confirm whether or not elder abuse is occurring, always err on the side of caution. It’s better to report the potential abuse now than to have your loved one suffer later.
Call Law Enforcement
If you suspect that your loved one is in immediate danger, call the authorities immediately. Your top priority should be the safety of the elderly person, and law enforcement is best equipped to deal with an immediate threat. If you believe that there is the potential for abuse, you should also consider moving your loved one to a different facility.
File a Complaint with Adult Protective Services
Just as with other states, South Carolina takes elder abuse very seriously. If you suspect elder abuse, it’s important to contact Adult Protective Services immediately. APS can investigate your report of elder abuse, and can also provide your loved one with protective services and proper treatment.
Contact an Attorney
If your loved one suffered abuse while residing in a nursing home, or if they were neglected by nursing home staff, you may have a legal claim against the facility. It is crucial to retain an attorney as early in the process as possible, as they can work to gather evidence and build a strong case on behalf of your loved one. A successful claim against a nursing home can help you recover money to take care of your family member, and it can also send a strong message to the facility that such abuse will not be accepted.
At Christian & Christian, our Greenville elder abuse attorneys are driven by a desire to help injury victims. Since 1975, our legal team has proudly stood for the rights of elders and their families, and we have received numerous awards for our high-standard of legal representation.
Don’t hesitate to pursue justice on behalf of your loved one. Call our firm today at (864) 408-8883.