Nursing home abuse and neglect is a widespread problem in South Carolina and across the country. Understaffing, inadequate training, poor oversight, and profit-driven cost cutting create environments where vulnerable residents suffer preventable harm. When a facility fails to provide the standard of care that residents are entitled to, families have the legal right to demand accountability.

At Crantford Meehan, we investigate nursing home abuse claims throughout the Charleston area, including facilities in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, and the surrounding Lowcountry. We have the resources and experience to take on large nursing home corporations and their insurance companies.

Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures, sudden weight loss or dehydration, bedsores and pressure ulcers, poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions, emotional withdrawal or unusual fearfulness, medication errors or overmedication used as chemical restraint, falls that could have been prevented with proper supervision, and unexplained changes in financial accounts or missing personal property.

If you have noticed any of these warning signs in a loved one residing in a Charleston area nursing home, do not wait. Contact Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 immediately. We will investigate the situation, help protect your loved one, and pursue legal action to hold the facility accountable.

South Carolina law provides strong protections for nursing home residents under the Omnibus Adult Protection Act and federal regulations enforced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Facilities that violate these standards can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in egregious cases, punitive damages.

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Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. The damages available depend on the type and severity of the harm suffered.

Medical Expenses

Compensation for all medical treatment necessitated by the abuse or neglect, including hospitalization, surgery, wound care for bedsores, treatment for infections, rehabilitation, and any increased level of care required as a result of the facility’s failures.

Pain and Suffering

Elderly residents who suffer abuse endure tremendous physical pain and emotional anguish. Bedsores can penetrate to the bone and cause excruciating pain. Physical abuse causes not only injuries but fear and anxiety. Neglect victims may suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, and the degradation of being left in soiled clothing or bedding.

Emotional Distress

Both the resident and family members may recover damages for the emotional distress caused by the abuse. Discovering that a loved one has been mistreated while in a facility’s care is devastating, and the law recognizes this harm.

Wrongful Death

When nursing home abuse or neglect results in the death of a resident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. These cases often involve sepsis from untreated infections, fatal falls, medication errors, and failure to provide basic nutrition and hydration.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving intentional abuse, gross negligence, or a pattern of systemic failures, South Carolina courts may award punitive damages to punish the facility and deter similar conduct.

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Crantford Meehan has the experience and resources necessary to take on nursing home corporations and their well-funded legal teams. These cases are complex, requiring thorough investigation of facility records, staffing logs, state inspection reports, CMS deficiency citations, and medical evidence.

We work with medical experts, geriatric care specialists, and life care planners to document the full extent of harm suffered by our clients. Our attorneys are not intimidated by large corporate defendants and are fully prepared to take nursing home abuse cases to trial when necessary to achieve justice for our clients.

If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a Charleston area nursing home, take these steps immediately:

1. Ensure Your Loved One’s Immediate Safety

If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. If the situation is not an emergency but you believe abuse or neglect is occurring, consider moving your loved one to a different facility or arranging alternative care while the matter is investigated.

2. Document Everything

Take photographs of any visible injuries, bedsores, unsanitary conditions, or signs of neglect. Write down dates, times, and descriptions of what you have observed. Keep copies of all medical records and facility communications.

3. Report to South Carolina DHEC and Adult Protective Services

File a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Long Term Care Division and with Adult Protective Services. These agencies have the authority to investigate and take action against facilities that violate state regulations.

4. Do Not Confront the Facility Administration Alone

Facility administrators and corporate owners will immediately begin protecting their legal interests. Do not sign any documents or agree to any resolution without legal counsel.

5. Contact Crantford Meehan

Call us at (843) 376-4030 for a free, confidential consultation. We will investigate the facility, preserve critical evidence, protect your loved one’s rights, and pursue legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

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How do I know if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

Warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden behavioral changes, weight loss, dehydration, bedsores, poor hygiene, fear or anxiety around certain staff members, and unexplained financial changes. Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, investigate further and consult an attorney.

Can I sue a nursing home for neglect?

Yes. Under South Carolina law, nursing homes have a legal duty to provide adequate care to their residents. When they fail to meet this duty and a resident is harmed as a result, the facility can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

What is the difference between nursing home abuse and neglect?

Abuse involves intentional harmful acts such as physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or financial exploitation. Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, including adequate food, water, medication, hygiene, supervision, and medical treatment. Both are actionable under South Carolina law.

Will filing a lawsuit affect my loved one’s care?

Federal and state law prohibit nursing homes from retaliating against residents or their families for filing complaints or lawsuits. If you are concerned about retaliation, we can help you explore options including transferring your loved one to a different facility.