Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Advising Residents of Spartanburg and Greenville

It is commonly known that many nursing homes fail to provide their residents with adequate care and attention. There are recurrent news reports about these facilities, detailing the horrific treatment that the residents endure. Although physical injuries are usually easy to identify, there are many instances in which residents at nursing homes are subjected to emotional and psychological abuse. In some ways, these patterns of behavior may be harder to identify and easier for the staff to cover up when family and loved ones come to visit. Compassionate Greenville and Spartanburg nursing home abuse attorney Patrick E. Knie can guide victims and their families in bringing these facilities to justice.

Identifying Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse may occur in a variety of ways, including direct name calling, threats of physical force or violence, withholding medication or other medical assistance, and using verbal manipulation. Intimidation, yelling, invoking guilt or blame, and ridiculing a resident are other examples of this type of conduct. There also may be situations in which a facility worker will isolate the patient from their family, ignore them, prevent them from engaging in social activities, or withhold food or water. The result of physical and emotional abuse may be devastating and often involves sadness, anxiety, fear, and disillusionment. It may be more difficult to identify than physical abuse, and when the resident is already suffering from certain conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, their statements are not always taken seriously.

Taking Legal Action to Seek Compensation

Nursing homes are subject to a wide range of state and federal regulations. If you or a loved one has suffered psychological or mental abuse at a nursing home, you likely can bring a claim to recover compensation. In a personal injury action, a plaintiff who proves that a defendant violated a statute through its conduct usually will have a strong case that negligence or wrongdoing occurred that should be compensated. A plaintiff may also seek punitive damages if the harm was reckless, wanton, malicious, or intentional. These are intended to dissuade other parties from engaging in similar activity while punishing the defendant for its egregious conduct. Also, the South Carolina Department of Social Services maintains a program intended to help identify and address incidents of elder abuse. The Adult Protective Services Division may perform an inspection, make a report, and assist you in identifying the specific nature and extent of the abuse that your loved one or you suffered.

Discuss Your Case With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Greenville or Spartanburg

Elder abuse is an inexcusable and unconscionable form of behavior. Personal injury attorney Patrick E. Knie takes satisfaction from representing victims of elder abuse and ensuring that the people and entities that were responsible for their harm are held accountable. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and South Carolina’s elder abuse laws, and we have assisted victims throughout Laurens, Union, Greenville, Cherokee, and Spartanburg Counties. Call us at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a Spartanburg and Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer.