Elder Neglect Attorney in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, SC

Elder neglect attorney in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, SC

Moving your beloved family member to an assisted living facility requires an unparalleled amount of trust. You rely on the nursing home staff to provide attentive, compassionate care and unwavering support for your loved one. When that trust is violated and your relative suffers at the hands of their care facility, it’s heartbreaking and unacceptable. In these moments, you need an advocate who will fight for justice and hold the responsible party accountable. If you need an experienced elder neglect attorney in Mount Pleasant or Myrtle Beach, SC, contact Lowcountry Law.

Elder neglect attorneys represent victims of abuse and their families to secure compensation for various forms of elder abuse, whether physical, psychological, or emotional. If you need a skilled attorney who specializes in elder neglect, you can count on attorney Matthew Breen to take swift action in your favor.

Abuse Comes in Many Forms

Any treatment—or lack thereof—that results in physical or psychological harm to an elder in the care of a nursing home can constitute abuse. A few examples include:

  • Physical abuse: Pushing, shoving, striking, kicking, and other forms of force account for 29% of abuse cases.
  • Emotional and non-physical abuse: Forms of non-physical abuse include any action or inaction that significantly impairs the resident’s quality of life, such as threats, insults, exclusion, bullying, and yelling.
  • Financial abuse: A noteworthy form of non-physical abuse, financial abuse is increasing faster than any other type in nursing home facilities. This includes theft of cash or valuables or manipulation to sign over property.
  • Sexual abuse: This includes any form of non-consensual sexual contact.
  • Neglect: Failure to provide basic needs or proper care qualifies as neglect. Examples include residents being denied essential meals, personal hygiene care, or adequate upkeep of their living spaces.
  • Confinement: This refers to when the victim is physically restrained or confined without a valid reason.
  • Abandonment: In the context of elder abuse, abandonment is the deliberate desertion of a dependent resident by a caregiver or responsible party, leaving them without necessary care, support, or supervision.

Protections in South Carolina for Elder Abuse and Neglect

Fortunately, there are laws in place in South Carolina to protect victims of elder abuse in nursing homes. The goal of the South Carolina Nursing Home Bill of Rights and the Omnibus Adult Protection Act is to prevent vulnerable adults from becoming victims of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The Nursing Home Bill of Rights protects residents in care facilities by ensuring their right to actively participate in their care plan, be involved in treatment decisions, and receive full transparency about services and associated costs. It also ensures that residents are treated with dignity and respect, and are free from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary restraints.

When To Consult an Elder Neglect Attorney: Signs of Abuse

Elder abuse and neglect of various types can cause your loved one to become injured or distressed. Physical abuse can also lead to severe, chronic pain or even wrongful death. It is critical that you act immediately to help your beloved family member before they develop any of the following:

Elder neglect attorney in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, SC

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Emotional or behavioral changes
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Bedsores or pressure ulcers
  • Missed medications or untreated health issues
  • Unaddressed infections or declining health
  • Unexplained withdrawals or changes in financial accounts
  • Missing personal items or money
  • Marks on wrists or ankles indicating physical restraints

Additionally, residents may express fear of being yelled at or belittled, or you may hear staff speaking harshly or inappropriately to residents. If you see any signs of these signs and suspect abuse or neglect, please contact an elder neglect attorney like Matthew Breen right away.

How Your Elder Neglect Attorney Can Help

Lowcountry Law, LLC is committed to seeking justice for your loved one’s injuries. When you choose Matthew Breen to represent you as your elder neglect attorney at Lowcountry Law, he will:

  • Carefully review your case and strategize the best course of action to maximize your reward
  • Collect medical records, photos, witness statements, and other documentation to build your case
  • Handle filing deadlines, legal paperwork, and court procedure
  • Pursue financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages
  • Hold the facility responsible
  • Negotiate settlements and represent you in court if necessary
  • Provide emotional support throughout the process

Our elder neglect attorney’s top priority is the welfare of your loved one. We will work tirelessly to safeguard their health and secure the compensation they deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Protecting your loved one from harm is your first priority, and when that trust is broken, Lowcountry Law is here to help. Elder abuse and neglect are serious violations that can leave lasting impacts on the victims and their families. With strong legal protections in South Carolina and the dedicated advocacy of attorney Matthew Breen, you have the power to fight back.

If your loved one has suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait to take action. Schedule a free case consultation with Lowcountry Law today. Together, we’ll hold the responsible parties accountable and work toward justice and peace of mind for your family.