Shocking Stories of Abuse and Neglect from South Carolina Nursing Homes

A number of shocking stories from South Carolina nursing homes show just how dangerous these facilities can be for our elderly loved ones. Some stories make you think twice about putting your senior in one of these nursing homes. But what if your senior is already in one of these facilities? What if they’re currently suffering abuse? What if you’re not sure how to prove that this neglect is actually occurring? You’ll soon see that suing nursing homes for neglect is easier than you think.

Woman Allegedly Stole From Senior Veteran in Anderson

On February 16th of 2023, it was reported that a woman had been charged with three counts of “breach of trust with fraudulent intent” after allegedly stealing from a resident in a nursing home. The victim was a veteran who had served his country, and his funds were transferred to the defendant’s account on three separate occasions without his consent.

Despite the serious nature of these crimes, the defendant faces only misdemeanor charges with a total of $3,000 in fines and 90 days in jail at the very most. It’s not clear what relationship this woman had with the victim, or whether she was employed by the veterans’ nursing home.

Financial abuse is a serious issue among seniors across the nation, especially as these individuals are under increasing economic pressure in the current financial climate. A recent report by ABC News states that the “impoverished live their final days on pennies.” Unfortunately, these impoverished seniors are also vulnerable to opportunistic scam artists and thieves.

Questions Raised After Legionnaire’s Disease Outbreak in South Carolina Nursing Home

On March 1st, it was reported that a nursing home in South Carolina had been linked to an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. For those not familiar with the illness, this is a severe form of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation. One of the most common causes of Leionniare’s disease is exposure to soil or water that is tainted with the legionella bacterium. This suggests that the nursing home may have struggled to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene and sanitation. These kinds of failures are linked with neglect.

According to Mayo Clinic, the spread of the disease has been linked to:

• Faulty air conditioning systems
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Decorative fountains
• Swimming pools
• Drinking water

It’s worth noting that elderly people are especially vulnerable to the disease, as they have weaker immune systems. Everyone above the age of 50 is considered to be at risk.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in South Carolina?

If you’ve been searching for a South Carolina lawyer who can help you file a lawsuit against a negligent nursing home, look no further than McDougall Law Firm, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous families hold these negligent facilities accountable. The above stories show how common these acts of misconduct have become, and there’s no reason to sit back and accept this treatment any longer. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources

1. https://www.wltx.com/article/news/crime/woman-accused-of-stealing-from-nursing-home-resident/101-ed614984-678a-47f0-9d32-6c845f548015
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351747
3. https://www.wistv.com/2023/03/01/dhec-investigating-multiple-cases-legionnaires-disease-linked-nursing-home/
4. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nursing-homes-impoverished-live-final-days-pennies-97874144

McDougall Law Firm, LLC

115 Lady’s Island Commons
Beaufort, SC 29907
843.379.7000

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103