South Carolina Elder Abuse Lawyers

Elder abuse is a horrifying breach of the trust an older adult and his or her loved ones put in a caregiver. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that between one and two million adults over the age of 65 have been abused, neglected or exploited in some way by a caregiver. Frighteningly, the same study suggested that only one out of every six incidents is reported, perhaps reflecting the helplessness of some abused elders. And despite many people's prejudices, nearly 90 percent of elder abuses take place in a private home, not a nursing home. Only about 35 percent of abusers are not relatives.

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact the Louthian Law Firm today at 1-866-410-5656 or online for a free evaluation of your case.

While the majority of elder abuse is physical, it is, unfortunately, not the only type. Others include:

• Emotional and verbal abuse, which can include intentional social isolation, intimidation and threats as well as insults.
• Neglect -- allowing a vulnerable older person to develop bedsores, wander in the streets, go without food and water or otherwise sustain physical harm.
• Unnecessary over-medication.
• Financial exploitation -- forcing or tricking the elder into signing away rights and property.
• Sexual abuse.

More information on elder abuse can be found at these Web sites for South Carolina Adult Protective Services; South Carolina law on adult protection; The Federal Department of Health and Human Services; and the National Center on Elder Abuse.

Although nursing home abuse is a relatively rare form of elder abuse, it can be especially devastating for the relatives of the elder, who often agonized over whether to place their loved one there in the first place. In addition to the shocking display of disregard for the elder's dignity and rights, an abusive home's staff has also violated its obligations as a business. They may also have violated their own professional obligations. Members of certain professions are obligated to report abuse by their professional codes of conduct. These professions include most medical and mental health professionals, social and public assistance workers, law enforcement officers and employees of an adult care facility. Those professionals may be even more liable than others for turning a blind eye to known or suspected elder abuse.

Family members who abuse an elder may have committed an even more shocking breach of trust, as they are guilty of intentionally hurting their own loved ones -- often their own parent. While caring for an impaired or unreasonable elder can be a frustrating job, there is simply no excuse for expressing that frustration with abuse. Family members who uncover abuse may be reluctant to go to court against a relative, but given the scope of the abuse and the limitations of criminal prosecution, it is often the best choice to help the entire family recover from the effects of the abuse. An elder abuse or nursing home abuse lawsuit can help a family recover money stolen from an elder; the often large sums spent on a neglectful or abusive nursing home; medical bills incurred by abuse or neglect; as well as non-economic damages that punish abusers for the pain and suffering caused by their horrifying betrayal of trust.

Elderly people are entitled to basic safety, respect and dignity. If you or someone you love is a victim of elder abuse or nursing home abuse, you have the right to hold the abuser responsible in court. The Louthian Law Firm has represented injured South Carolinians in elder abuse lawsuits and other personal injury suits since 1959. With our firm on the case, you can rest assured that you'll get the extensive experience and personalized attention you deserve. For a free consultation, call our Columbia office today at 1-866-410-5656.

South Carolina Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Disclaimer: The nursing home malpractice, elder abuse, nursing home negligence or other legal personal injury information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Further communication with our attorneys through the website and email may not be considered as confidential or privileged. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a Columbia South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney at the Louthian Law Firm, P.A. for a consultation on your particular personal injury matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of South Carolina.