The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. While no one is immune to its impacts, the elderly population is particularly vulnerable. This puts nursing home residents and those living in long-term care facilities at a great risk – and with family members unable to visit, elder abuse or nursing home neglect here in Charleston can go unnoticed. And, bad service can lead to coronavirus in nursing homes.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness from COVID-19, Hoffman Law Firm’s injury attorneys can help. Our team of nursing home negligence attorneys are committed to advocating for the elderly and ensuring older adults receive the compassionate, high-quality health care they deserve.
Suing a Nursing Home Facility for Coronavirus Illness in Charleston
Many healthcare professionals consider senior living facilities and nursing homes to be “breeding grounds” for COVID-19. With many residents living in a confined space, and spending time in shared spaces for meals or group activities, the virus often spreads easily – and rapidly.
Because many states recognize this, they are working to pass legislation that would essentially shield nursing homes from lawsuits. Legislation is currently pending in South Carolina that would protect nursing homes – but this does not mean that you don’t have a case.
If public health protocol was not followed, you may be able to recover damages if you or a loved one contracted coronavirus in a senior facility. Schedule a free consultation at Hoffman Law Firm LLC with our South Carolina attorneys to get started.
Protecting Nursing Home Residents From Coronavirus Outbreaks
With the number of cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise, assisted living facilities must be especially vigilant to protect older adults. The Center for Disease Control recommends implementing these public health practices to prevent residents and staff from contracting COVID-19:
- Restrict all visitation, with the exception of end of life situations
- Restrict all volunteers and non-essential healthcare workers
- Cancel all communal dining and group activities
- Ensure staff follows hand hygiene protocol and keep sanitizer readily available
- Enforce the use of face masks and other personal protective equipment
- Follow social distancing guidelines
Types of Damages
If you suspect a healthcare professional or nursing home employee of failing to adhere to the standards listed above – or of subjecting a resident to physical abuse or sexual abuse – call Hoffman Law Firm’s team of nursing home abuse attorneys in Charleston, SC today.
You may be eligible for damages, including compensation for:
- Medical bills
If injuries or illness from COVID-19 required a costly hospital stay, you may seek reimbursement for medical expenses.
- Future medical costs
If contracting COVID-19 in an assisted living facility caused long-term damage, ongoing care may be required.
- Pain and suffering
Non-economic damages may also be awarded if you or a loved one contracted coronavirus in a senior facility.
- Wrongful death
If your loved one lived in a nursing home and COVID-19 claimed their life, you may also file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Trust Hoffman Law Firm’s Injury Attorneys to Defend the Elderly in Charleston
Our Charleston law firm has built a strong reputation for defending our community’s most vulnerable, including nursing home residents. We will not stand for nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence – and together, we can put an end to it here in Charleston.
The first step in keeping your loved ones safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is scheduling your free consultation. Our team is eager to learn more about your case, and create an attorney-client relationship established on trust and respect.
Call Hoffman Law Firm, LLC for our nursing home abuse attorneys today to schedule your free consultation.
Helpful Resources:
For immediate life threatening emergencies, call 911.
For SC locals: online or call 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487).
For Nationwide Resources (help victims anywhere in the U.S.):
- Adult Protective Services: online or call 202-370-6292.
- The National Center on Elder Abuse: online or call 855-500-3537.
- Long-term Care Ombudsman: online or call 202-332-2275.
- Genuine advocates for people living in places like assisted living homes, small group homes, and nursing facilities. They know how to fix issues and make sure residents get what they need.
Helpful Elderly Abuse Blogs:
Negligent Hiring Can Increase The Risk of Nursing Home Abuse
Exposure to Coronavirus in Nursing Homes in Charleston
Other Helpful Personal Injury Blogs:
Can A Personal Injury Case Be Reopened in South Carolina?
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim
Do You Have A Personal Injury Case?
Evidence: Your Personal Injury Case Depends on it
How Social Media Can Impact Your Personal Injury Claim
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?
Personal Injury Lawsuit: Definitions of Common Personal Injury Terminology
Maximizing Your Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
Understanding Lost Wages After You Were Injured In an Accident in South Carolina
What Qualifies As Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case?
Who is Responsible for Your Slip and Fall Accident?
10 Reasons You Lost Your Personal Injury Lawsuit: How To Win Your Next Lawsuit