Many Beaufort families never expect their loved one will face abuse when they move into a senior care facility. Unfortunately, physical abuse is a common occurrence in nursing homes. Whether this abuse occurs due to carelessness or is intentional, physical abuse can take a terrible toll on a Beaufort senior.
If your loved one has suffered physical abuse in a Beaufort nursing home, you may benefit from a discussion with an experienced lawyer. A Beaufort nursing home abuse attorney could review the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s injuries and advise you on the best path forward.
Common Types of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse comes in many forms. In some cases, it involves an intentional assault such as hitting or choking. Other types of physical abuse include the use of unnecessary chemical or physical restraints. Some common signs of physical abuse include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Bedsores
- Black eyes
- Fear or intimidation
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
There is no blueprint for how a nursing home resident might react to physical abuse. However, with enough care, a family member could identify the warning signs of abuse. If mistreatment occurred, an attorney could work to hold the facility or its employees responsible by filing a Beaufort personal injury lawsuit.
Damages in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
There is a notable financial cost related to nursing home abuse, as residents may have medical expenses due to an injury. In addition to financial costs, abuse can take an emotional toll. Victims could suffer severe psychological effects for years to come. Some of the damages available in a nursing home abuse lawsuit include:
- Medical bills
- Counseling expenses
- Disfigurement
- Physical therapy
- Suffering and emotional distress
During the initial review of a nursing home physical abuse case, a Beaufort attorney could identify a variety of damages that may be available to the victim.
Deadline to File Suit
Like with any lawsuit in Beaufort, the statute of limitations applies to a claim for nursing home physical abuse. This law provides a deadline for filing a lawsuit.
According to South Carolina Statute §15-3-530, a Beaufort nursing home physical abuse attorney has three years from the date of the incident to file suit. A failure to comply with the statute of limitations can have a devastating impact on an abuse victim’s case. The court has the right to dismiss any case filed after the deadline.
Learn How a Beaufort Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe your loved one is a victim of physical abuse, there are steps to take to preserve their legal rights. Nursing home abuse can lead to monetary compensation through a civil lawsuit with the help of an experienced injury attorney.
If you are ready to move forward with a claim for damages related to your loved one’s mistreatment, contact a Beaufort nursing home physical abuse lawyer right away. During the initial consultation, an attorney from Schiller & Hamilton could evaluate the claim and create a roadmap for moving forward.