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Nursing homes provide end of life care for thousands of seniors and people with infirmities throughout the state, and these facilities have a duty to care for the wellbeing of their residents. Sadly, many nursing homes fail in this duty. This can involve both a failure to provide adequate care and generalized neglect that can result in serious injuries. Considering that residents of Rock Hill nursing homes are already in frail health, nursing home misconduct could have severe consequences.
A Rock Hill Nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to help if you suffered an injury because of neglect in a nursing home. They could also work with family members of residents who cannot pursue these claims on their own. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you may be able to hold negligent nursing homes responsible for their actions.
Nursing Home Neglect
Residents of nursing homes are in a precarious position. They are dependent upon staff for the timely application of medicine and to help them with specific day to day activities. The most vulnerable residents are confined to a bed and require assistance with basic functions, such as bathing and eating. As a result, many residents rely heavily upon the help of nursing home staff.
If these staff members fail to provide for the needs of a resident, and that resident becomes injured, the nursing home may be held liable. This is because as residential facilities, nursing homes have an absolute duty to care for the wellbeing of their residents. A failure to provide this care may indicate negligence.
Common examples of injuries in nursing homes that result from negligence or abuse include:
- Bed sores
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Slips and falls
- Unexplained bruising or cuts
- A sudden deterioration in overall condition
A Rock Hill attorney could help pursue cases for damages against negligent nursing homes.
Inadequate Care in Rock Hill Nursing Homes
Just as nursing homes have an obligation to provide for a resident’s day-to-day needs, they also have an obligation to provide competent medical care. These facilities are required to hire trained staff, have detailed care plans for all residents, and to refer patients to doctors or hospitals when necessary. Nursing homes are also authorized to apply medication as needed.
A failure to adequately perform these requirements may indicate medical malpractice. Common instances of medical malpractice in nursing homes include:
- Improper application of medication
- A failure to provide proper physical rehabilitation
- Improper wound care
Proving medical malpractice is a more complex matter than proving simple negligence. Plaintiffs must work with an expert witness who can testify as to how a defendant nursing home provided inadequate care. According to South Carolina Code §15-79-110 (6), malpractice occurs when a medical provider does not act as another reasonable provider would, given the circumstances. A local attorney familiar with nursing home abuse cases could help connect plaintiffs to expert witnesses who may testify on a resident’s behalf in court.
Get in Touch with a Rock Hill Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
Unfortunately, abuse in nursing homes occurs frequently. Whether this involves a general failure to provide for a resident’s day-to-day needs, instances of intentional abuse, or medical malpractice, nursing homes should be held responsible for their actions.
A Rock Hill nursing home abuse lawyer could help you or a loved one pursue a case for appropriate compensation. An attorney could work to gather evidence of the injury, connect that evidence to nursing home abuse, and demand fair payment. Contact Schiller & Hamilton today to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.