Columbia Physical Abuse Attorneys

Advocating for Victims of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes and Care Facilities in Columbia, SC

When you entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or another long-term care setting, you do so with the expectation that they will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Sadly, this is not always the case. Physical abuse in these settings remains a deeply troubling issue across South Carolina, and the impacts can be devastating—not just for the victims, but for their families as well.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we understand how painful it is to discover that someone you love has suffered physical abuse. Our Columbia physical abuse attorneys have experience holding negligent facilities and abusive caretakers accountable for their actions. We are here to ensure that your loved one is protected, and that perpetrators face legal consequences.

If you suspect abuse, contact us today at (803) 599-2207 to schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes Physical Abuse in Care Facilities?

Physical abuse in nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and other care facilities involves intentional actions that cause physical harm to a resident. This type of abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Hitting, slapping, or kicking
• Improper use of restraints
• Force-feeding or denying food and water
• Unnecessary roughness during transfers or mobility assistance
• Pushing or shoving
• Overmedication or withholding prescribed medications

This behavior is not only cruel but also illegal. Our Columbia nursing home abuse lawyers are deeply committed to addressing these injustices and fighting for the rights of victims.

Recognizing the Signs of Physical Abuse

Unfortunately, many victims of physical abuse in care facilities are unable or unwilling to speak up due to fear, cognitive decline, or communication difficulties. This places the burden on their loved ones to recognize the warning signs. Common indicators include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts
• Frequent falls or fractures without clear explanations
• Burn marks or injuries inconsistent with staff reports
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers arising from improper care
• Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Reluctance to speak in front of caregivers
• Sudden changes in mood, anxiety, or withdrawal
• Poor personal hygiene

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s critical to take immediate action. Don’t wait for the situation to escalate—your loved one’s safety is at stake.

Why Does Physical Abuse Happen in Care Facilities?

Physical abuse in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers is often the result of systemic issues, including:

Staffing Shortages

Many facilities are chronically understaffed, leaving caregivers overburdened and unable to provide adequate attention to residents. Unfortunately, this can lead to frustration or resentment being taken out on vulnerable individuals.

Lack of Proper Training

Caregivers who are not fully trained in managing patients with unique medical or behavioral needs may resort to improper or abusive actions.

High Turnover Rates

Frequent staff turnover disrupts continuity of care, creating an environment where abuse can go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Burnout Among Caretakers

Caring for the elderly or disabled is demanding work, and some staff members may experience burnout, leading to neglectful or harmful behavior.

Poor Facility Management

A lack of oversight and accountability often enables abusive staff to continue their behavior unchecked. Facilities that place profits over patient care frequently cut corners, increasing the risk of harm to residents.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we meticulously investigate the root causes of physical abuse in order to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Physical Abuse?

Determining liability in cases of physical abuse can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potentially liable entities include:

• The facility itself: Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers have a legal duty to provide safe and adequate care. If they fail to properly vet, train, or supervise their staff, they can be held liable for abuse.
• Individual staff members: Caregivers who engage in abusive behavior can face both civil and criminal consequences.
• Third-party contractors: If a facility outsources certain services (e.g., physical therapy or housekeeping) and a contractor is abusive, the contractor or their employer may also be at fault.

Our Columbia physical abuse attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and build a compelling claim on your behalf.

How a Columbia Physical Abuse Attorney Can Help

If you or your loved one has been the victim of physical abuse in a nursing home or care facility, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Here’s how we can help:

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

We’ll gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and internal facility documentation, to establish a clear picture of negligence or wrongdoing.

Advocating for Compensation

Victims of abuse may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. We fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the financial recovery they deserve.

Holding Perpetrators Accountable

Physical abuse often goes unreported or under-punished. By pursuing legal action, we aim to hold negligent facilities and abusive caretakers accountable and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Know Your Legal Rights

Elderly individuals and other vulnerable populations in care settings have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. South Carolina has laws in place to protect individuals from abuse, including the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Statutes of limitations restrict the amount of time you have to file a claim. For these cases, South Carolina law generally gives you three years from the date of the abuse to pursue legal action. However, acting swiftly can improve your case, as evidence may be lost or deteriorate over time.

Our compassionate attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC are ready to fight for your loved one’s rights and ensure that justice is served.

Contact Our Columbia Physical Abuse Attorneys Today

Discovering that a loved one has been subjected to physical abuse in a care facility is a heartbreaking experience. You don’t have to face this battle alone. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we are committed to standing alongside families in Columbia and throughout South Carolina as they seek justice.

If you suspect that your loved one has been physically abused in a nursing home, rehabilitation hospital, or another care setting, contact us today for a free policy consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us unless we secure compensation for you.

We’re here to fight for the safety, dignity, and well-being of your loved ones.

Call Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC at (803) 599-2207 or complete our online form to get the support and advocacy you need during this difficult time.