Millions of people stay in nursing homes throughout the country every year. They and their families hope that residents will receive the proper care and support they need, but this is not always the case. Nursing homes are notoriously understaffed, meaning there are often not enough staff members to provide the care and support residents need. The staff members who work in these facilities are also overworked and underpaid, resulting in burnout. When nursing home staff members are not alert and focused, it is the residents who suffer harm.
NHC Healthcare is just one organization that has been the subject of many complaints and lawsuits throughout South Carolina. Below, our NHC Healthcare negligence lawyer explains the injuries caused by nursing home neglect and how we can help you make things right.
Common Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Neglect
When nursing home residents do not receive the proper care, they can suffer from both physical and mental injuries. Negligent staff members may not provide the proper assistance when transferring residents from a bed to a wheelchair, or they may fail to properly supervise residents when they are eating. Staff members may also fail to properly administer medication to residents, or they may fail to take proper precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
The above are just a few examples of the most common types of nursing home neglect. These and others can cause residents to suffer some of the most severe injuries, which include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic head injuries
- Slower wound healing
- Muscle cramps
- Bed sores
- Overdose and underdose injuries
- Bed sores
- Infections
- Choking
If your loved one has suffered any of the above injuries or others, and you believe they were caused by neglect, it is critical that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Your loved one may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help you obtain a full settlement.
What is NHC Healthcare?
NHC Healthcare is a very large organization that operates numerous nursing home facilities throughout South Carolina.
The organization’s website touts 50 years of experience in providing continued care that includes assisted living, skilled nursing, home care, hospice, independent living, and specialized services such as geriatric psych acute care, memory care, rehabilitation, and pharmacy services. The company states that they prioritize the well-being of residents and offer a welcoming atmosphere for their residents.
Unfortunately, while NHC Healthcare speaks of its dedication and commitment to residents, negligence still occurs within its facilities.
Medicare Ratings for NHC Healthcare
Medicare ratings for NHC facilities can be located here: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome
Complaints Filed Against NHC Healthcare
It is not uncommon for nursing homes to have one or two complaints filed against them. This does not necessarily mean that a specific facility has deficiencies or that residents within it are prone to neglect. However, NHC Healthcare has received many complaints that indicate NHC may not properly support their residents in the manner they need.
The complaints lodged against NHC Healthcare involve unsafe living conditions, inadequate fall protection, insufficient staffing levels, concerns regarding the quality of care provided, and failing to treat residents with dignity and respect.
South Carolina’s Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
The Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities in South Carolina is found at SC Code § 44-81-10. This state law outlines many rights of nursing home residents, including the right to:
- Receive a copy of their rights, charges, and refund policies
- Choose their own doctor
- Be informed about the medical care and to participate in decisions regarding their medical treatment
- Refuse experimental treatment
- Be free from abuse and neglect
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Privacy
- Participate in social activities
- Freely communicate
- Voice complaints without fear of retaliation
How Can an NHC Healthcare Negligence Lawyer Help?
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you need legal help. You are likely helping your loved one recover from serious injuries, making it a difficult time for everyone. This is not the time to worry about the legal details of your case. Our NHC Healthcare negligence lawyer can handle many tasks that can strengthen your case and help your loved one obtain the full damages they deserve. These include:
- Investigate the incident to determine if neglect or abuse occurred, and to determine who is liable for paying damages.
- Help you navigate the legal process to ensure deadlines are met and that proper procedure is followed.
- Enter into negotiations on your behalf with the nursing home to ensure you receive a full settlement.
- Ensure your rights are protected throughout, particularly when dealing with the faculty’s insurance company.
- If necessary, represent you in court to obtain the full damages you deserve
Our experienced attorney has been involved in two filings that have helped nursing home neglect victims, one against Wren Creek Estates Senior Living and another filed against PruittHealth.
Our NHC Healthcare Negligence Lawyer Can Help You Through the Process
If you believe your loved one has suffered harm due to neglect, our NHC Healthcare negligence lawyer at Rikard & Protopapas can help.
We support clients in the zip codes 29401, 29402, 29403, 29405, 29407, 29409, 29412, 29413, 29414, 29417, 29424, 29425, and 29492.
Call us today at 803-978-6111 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help you need.