The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a significant lawsuit against ProMedica Health System, Inc. and its affiliates, including the now-closed Rehabilitation–Greenville East nursing facility in upstate South Carolina. This federal intervention represents a serious escalation in addressing what authorities characterize as systematic neglect and substandard care at multiple nursing facilities under ProMedica’s control.
If you believe your loved one suffered injuries due to nursing home neglect in South Carolina, contact our nursing home injury attorneys at Rikard & Protopapas. We help vulnerable victims of preventable injuries and their families, and we are ready to hear your story.
Case Overview
The DOJ’s complaint identifies ProMedica as the owner and controlling body of four nursing homes with extensive violations from 2018 to 2023, including Rehabilitation–Greenville East in South Carolina. The federal government alleges that during this five-year period, these facilities consistently failed to meet required standards of care mandated under federal law.
In its complaint in intervention, the United States alleged that the four nursing homes provided non-existent, grossly substandard skilled nursing facility care or services that otherwise failed to comply with the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA). This is a rare federal intervention in nursing home operations, highlighting the severity of the alleged violations.
The Greenville facility, located off Sulphur Springs Road, closed in 2023. However, the closure has not insulated ProMedica from federal accountability for its past operations. The lawsuit also spreads across multiple states, with other locations listed in the lawsuit based in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio.
Allegations and Violations
The DOJ’s investigation revealed disturbing patterns of care deficiencies. The Justice Department alleges ProMedica and its Greenville nursing home knowingly failed to care for residents by depleting its staffing in order to maximize profits, according to the lawsuit.
The federal complaint centers on violations of the NHRA, which establishes minimum standards for nursing home care. The DOJ alleges that ProMedica prioritized financial gains over resident safety and well-being, systematically understaffing facilities to reduce operational costs while collecting Medicare and Medicaid payments for services that were either inadequately provided or not provided at all.
These allegations suggest a calculated business strategy that placed vulnerable elderly residents at risk. The “grossly substandard” care designation indicates conditions that likely endangered resident health and safety, potentially resulting in preventable injuries, complications, or deterioration of medical conditions.
Legal Implications
This case demonstrates the government’s commitment to holding nursing home operators accountable for Medicare and Medicaid fraud while protecting vulnerable populations. The lawsuit seeks both financial penalties and corrective measures to prevent future violations.
For families who had loved ones at the Greenville facility during the specified timeframe, this federal action validates concerns about care quality and opens potential avenues for civil recovery. The DOJ’s findings may serve as powerful evidence in private litigation against ProMedica and its affiliates.
Our nursing home injury lawyers at Rikard & Protopapas will be following this case to see what penalties ProMedica faces. If your loved one was injured at the Rehabilitation–Greenville East facility in South Carolina, contact our team about a possible case now. Time is running short to pursue a lawsuit and hold the corporation accountable.
Private Nursing Home Neglect Claims in South Carolina
While the government is pursuing legal action against ProMedica, injured individuals also have the right to pursue a private civil claim for personal injuries they suffered. When taking on large corporate nursing care companies, having a nursing home neglect lawyer is particularly essential. These companies have resources and legal teams that will do everything to protect their interests, making it challenging for individuals to handle the legal process alone.
A nursing home neglect lawyer will build a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and adhering to complex legal procedures. They have the experience to present your case effectively, protecting your rights and ensuring you or your loved one seeks the compensation deserved.
By partnering with a nursing home neglect lawyer, you can level the playing field and hold these corporate entities accountable for their actions. Your lawyer will fight for justice on your behalf, advocating for your best interests every step of the way.
Signs Your Loved One Suffered Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect, there are signs to look out for. Changes in behavior or unexplained injuries should raise red flags. Your loved one may suddenly become withdrawn, depressed, or show signs of fear toward specific staff members. Physical signs such as unexplained bruises, bedsores, weight loss, or dehydration can indicate neglect.
Do not wait to take action if you notice any of these signs. Contacting a nursing home neglect lawyer allows you to properly approach the legal process and seek justice for your loved one. Our attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure that your loved one receives the care and compensation they deserve.
Contact a Trusted South Carolina Nursing Home Neglect Law Firm Now
Don’t wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect in South Carolina. Your well-being and rights matter, and a skilled lawyer can help you seek justice. Our team at Rikard & Protopapas is ready to help, so please contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.