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Are Nursing Homes Liable For COVID-19 Deaths?

As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the country, we have seen that nursing homes have been hit particularly hard when it comes to illnesses and deaths caused by the virus. This is because nursing home residents are particularly at risk of suffering severe effects due to coronavirus. Not only are most nursing home residents elderly, but they are also more likely to have certain conditions that place them more at risk of suffering ill effects due to the virus than the general population. 

Many people are wondering whether nursing homes can be held liable for deaths that occur in their facilities due to COVID-19. 

Could these be cases of wrongful death?

The first major outbreak of COVID-19 deaths in the US was at a nursing home in Washington state. All told, 43 virus deaths have been attributed to the Life Care Center in a Seattle suburb. Now, a lawsuit has been filed by the daughter of one of the residents who passed away due to COVID-19. 

The claim alleges that neglect and negligence led to the death of Twilla Morin. The suit also alleges that employees covered up facts related to the coronavirus outbreak at the facility. The complaint says that the nursing home knew about a respiratory outbreak at the facility in February, but delayed in notifying officials. The facility allegedly failed to have a backup plan in place for when their primary doctor became ill. 

How could this affect cases in South Carolina?

The wrongful death lawsuit at the facility in Washington has little bearing on cases here in South Carolina. However, the case is worth watching, and it raises questions about how COVID-19 is handled in nursing homes in this state. There are hundreds of nursing homes in South Carolina, and many here in the Greenville area. According to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), 23% of the coronavirus deaths in South Carolina have occurred in long-term care facilities. 

We are ready to help 

If you have lost a loved one in a nursing home and you suspect their death was caused by the negligent actions of nursing home staff, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. You can count on the Dan Pruitt Law Firm to thoroughly investigate your case to determine whether or not you are entitled to any compensation for what happened. You can contact our Greenville nursing home wrongful death attorney for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.

Why Are Nursing Home Residents So Vulnerable To COVID-19?

There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected most people in this country. However, COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for those who reside in nursing homes. The first major outbreak of COVID-19 deaths in the United States happened at the Life Care Center in Washington state. Since that time, we have seen hundreds of nursing homes throughout the US deal with devastating coronavirus outbreaks. A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press found that nearly 11,000 nursing home residents have died due to COVID-19. 

Who is most at-risk in these cases?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that those who are aged 65 or over and those who have serious health conditions such as heart disease, lung diseases, diabetes, and a weakened immune system, are most at risk of becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19. The CDC also says that those who have chronic kidney diseases and are undergoing dialysis and those with liver disease face higher risks a severe illness or death due to coronavirus. Nursing home residents often fit into multiple at-risk categories. 

How has this affected South Carolina nursing home residents? 

According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the latest data shows that nearly 600 people who live or work in long-term care facilities in the state have been infected with COVID-19. DHEC says that 44 of those people have died due to complications from the virus. Nursing homes in South Carolina are under strict “no visitation” orders from the governor in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 amongst this vulnerable population. 

Let us help you through this

If your loved one resides in a nursing home around the Greenville area, we know this is a difficult time for you and your family. At the Dan Pruitt Law Firm, we are here to help if you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused. You can contact our Greenville nursing home abuse attorney for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.

How Has COVID-19 Impacted South Carolina Nursing Homes?

The coronavirus pandemic affected the way of life for so many people across this country. This is especially true for those who reside in nursing homes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for those who are 65 years of age or older and who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung illnesses, diabetes, and weakened immune systems. Residents of nursing homes have a much higher likelihood of fitting into all of these categories. 

The latest updates about South Carolina 

According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), there have been 192 deaths in the state as a result of COVID-19. According to DHEC, 44 residents and staff members of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, have died due to complications from coronavirus. That means that nursing homes make up 23% of all coronavirus fatalities in the state as of this writing.  

The state’s health agency says that the highest number of deaths since early April 2020 happened amongst those who live or work in the 88-bed Midlands Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbia. 

DHEC also states that nearly 600 residents and staff members had been infected with COVID-19 in 62 facilities across the state. There are around 190 nursing homes in South Carolina.

On March 13, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster temporarily ended all visitations to long-term care facilities in order to protect this vulnerable population. DHEC says it has been working with these facilities to help contain the spread of the virus and has found no violations in facilities where people have tested positive.

Do you need an attorney to help?

If your loved one resides in a long-term care facility in South Carolina, we know this is a challenging time for you and your family. If you suspect that your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse in a nursing home, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. We will investigate your claim in order to secure any compensation your loved one is entitled to. You can contact our Greenville Nursing home attorney for a free consultation today so we can determine what your next steps should be.

Car Crashes Into Bakery In Downtown Greenville

The last thing anyone expects when they go shopping for a cake or some cookies is that they will be injured in a vehicle crash. However, car accidents can happen anywhere that vehicles and people are in proximity to one another. At the Dan Pruitt Law Firm, we want to discuss a recent accident that happened in downtown Greenville.

What happened in this accident?

A popular bakery near downtown Greenville was closed recently after a car crashed into the building. According to Glen Daze, the owner of Buttercream Bakeshouse, he got a call from police at around 1:30 a.m. after the vehicle rammed into his business at 801 Buncombe Street. 

Thankfully, this incident happened in the early morning hours, and nobody was injured. Police say that nobody was at the scene when they arrived. The vehicle was a recent purchase and had a paper tag, according to Daze. 

Looking at the photos from the incident, we can see how serious this crash could have been had it occurred during business hours. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in South Carolina. According to the state Department of Transportation, there were 828 total pedestrian accidents during the latest reporting year. Out of those accidents, there were 132 fatalities and 748 injuries. 

Pedestrian accidents happen in a variety of ways, and often the driver of the is at-fault. Some of the main causes of these incidents include:

  • Drivers distracted by their phones or other devices
  • Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians 
  • Disobeying traffic laws or speeding

Over the last decade, Greenville has worked to become more pedestrian-friendly, but that does not mean there are no risks. Pedestrians must remain vigilant when they are out and about in the city. 

Let us get to work on your case 

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. We will investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. Our Greenville car accident attorney will provide a free consultation today.

Truckers In SC Required to Use Electronic Logging Devices

Thousands of large commercial trucks cross South Carolina roadways each day, and these vehicles are essential parts of our strong economy. A recent change took place that could increase truck safety on the roadway. Truck drivers are now required to use “electronic logging devices” to keep track of their hours of service.

What this change means

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA) requires that drivers keep track of their hours. In order to ensure the safety of drivers and others on the roadway, the FMCSA implements strict hour limits for drivers for each workday and workweek. 

Before December 17, 2019, drivers in SC were only required to keep track of these hours on paper logs. Now, due to a federal mandate that has been in the making for at least 10 years, all truck drivers in the state will have to keep track of their hours on electronic logging devices (ELD). Drivers who did not already have an ELD by the deadline were required to have one installed in their rigs. This device will make sure that the driver stops and rests when they are supposed to. 

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were 4,986 total collisions involving trucks during the latest reporting year across the state. Out of those incidents, there were 65 fatalities and 1,637 people injured. 

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver error. Drivers who do not follow the required hours of service could end up operating while fatigued. 

The hours of service can be complicated to understand, but generally, truckers are limited to driving 11 hours during a 14-hour period after they have had 10 consecutive hours off. Additionally, drivers are limited to no more than 60 hours in-duty over seven days or 70 hours over eight days. 

Call us for help today

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident that was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will investigate the incident and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. You can contact our Greenville truck accident attorney for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.

Workers’ Compensation For Medical Professionals – A COVID-19 Update

As the COVID-19 pandemic changes the way Americans live their lives, it is important to remember that there are many healthcare workers on the frontlines at high risk of contracting the virus. However, there have been many questions about whether or not workers’ compensation will cover healthcare employees if they contract coronavirus. 

What is happening in this state?

As of this writing, there have been relatively few cases of COVID-19 confirmed in South Carolina, but this number is expected to rise. One of the main concerns is the well-being of our healthcare workers, those who face an increased risk of exposure to coronavirus. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those 60 and over are the most risk of becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19. Additionally, those with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems have a higher risk of serious illness. 

The CDC says that most people who contract coronavirus can expect minor symptoms and will be able to successfully recover at home. As the coronavirus continues to spread, the men and women in South Carolina’s healthcare system, as well as first responders, face an increased risk of contracting the virus. However, will healthcare workers be compensated for any missed days of work?

Business Insurance Journal states that we do not have precedence for a pandemic like this. Washington state’s Department of Labor announced that the state would take steps to ensure that healthcare workers and first responders would receive workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19. 

Healthcare workers in this state, and throughout the country, can probably expect to receive some kind of paid coverage if they contract COVID-19. The public sentiment, as well as state and federal legislators, have generally been in favor of protecting workers during this outbreak. 

We are ready to help

If you or a loved one have become injured or ill at work and are having trouble receiving compensation, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. Our Greenville workers’ compensation attorney will provide a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be. The Dan Pruitt Law Firm is ready to help healthcare workers receive the compensation they need amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Are Nursing Homes In Greenville Ready For Covid-19?

COVID-19 is sweeping across the United Stated and disrupting the lives of Americans. People are rightly concerned about their health and well-being, especially for the elderly and vulnerable among us. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that those who are 60 years of age and over, as well as those with chronic health conditions, have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill due to coronavirus. Are nursing homes and other assisted living facilities in Greenville and throughout SC ready?

What are the directions from the state?

According to Greenville News, nursing homes around the state are now limiting visitation as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus. Also known as COVID-19, the symptoms of this disease are generally mild. However, those in nursing homes face a heightened risk of serious illness if they contract coronavirus. 

We have a reason to be concerned about our loved ones in nursing homes. As of this writing, most of the deaths due to COVID-19 in this country have centered on a single nursing home in Kirkland, Washington. This incident, along with the growing threat to the elderly population, led President Trump to say that “We are strongly advising that nursing homes for the elderly suspend all medically unnecessary visits.”

Randy Lee, president of the South Carolina Health Care Association, says that the state’s long-term care facilities are already restricting visits. Still, most have not closed their doors to visitors entirely. This may change as COVID-19 spreads throughout the country. 

Contact an attorney if you need help

If you or someone you care about has questions about COVID-19, please refer to official statements from federal and state authorities. At the Dan Pruitt Law Firm, we are here if you think that your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Whether your loved one has contracted this virus or been mistreated due to a staff shortage, we want to help. You can contact our Greenville nursing home abuse attorney for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.

Are There Adult Daycare Employee Requirements in South Carolina?

Caregivers have an incredibly tough job. Whether you are a family member or close friend who cares for an elderly or disabled adult, you may need assistance from time to time. One option that many people in the Greenville area take advantage of is adult daycare. While these services can provide a needed break for caregivers, it is important to ensure that your loved one is in good hands. There are times when elder abuse occurs at adult daycares. 

What is adult daycare?

According to data from AARP, there are more than 4,600 adult daycare centers in these US. The Greenville, South Carolina area has many daycares that cater to the needs of elderly and disabled adults.

An adult daycare designed to relieve caregivers of their duties for the day. The adult daycare will ensure that the recipient still receives the care they need in a safe and friendly environment. The National Caregivers Library says that there are three main types of adult daycares:

  • Those that focus on social interaction
  • Those that provide medical care
  • Those dedicated to Alzheimer’s care

Are adult daycare employees medical professionals?

Depending on the type of daycare your loved one requires, there may be medical professionals on an adult daycare’s staff. This should be the case for daycares that specialize in assisting attendants with their basic medical needs, including vital sign monitoring and dispensing of medication. For facilities that cater to Alzheimer’s and dementia patient care, the staff should be trained to handle situations that arise. 

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulates daycare facilities for adults in the state. 

It is important for caregivers to understand what kind of care their loved one requires before making a decision about which adult daycare to use. Please ensure that the daycare employees are properly certified to handle your loved one’s particular medical needs. 

If you suspect abuse

If you suspect that your loved one has been abused while attending adult daycare, let the Dan Pruitt Law Firm help. You do not have to handle this by yourself, and we will work to secure the compensation your loved one is entitled to. You can contact our Greenville adult daycare abuse attorney for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.

What Kind Of Abuse Can Occur At An Adult Daycare?

Adult daycares can be incredibly helpful for caregivers. All too often, those caring for the elderly and disabled face “caregiver burnout,” which can be detrimental to a person’s well-being. Adult daycares provide a much-needed break for caregivers and can be wonderful experiences for attendants. 

However, there are times when those who attend adult daycare face abuse and neglect. Here, we want to discuss what this looks like and what you can do if you suspect your loved one has been abused at adult daycare in Greenville, South Carolina. 

Different types of adult daycare

There are three basic types of adult daycare, all designed to meet the varying needs of elderly and disabled citizens and their families. Some daycares focus on helping the elderly stay socially interactive, with less of a focus on medical care. 

Other adult daycares are designed to provide limited medical care and mobility needs for an elderly or disabled person for a limited amount of time each day. Finally, there are adult daycares that specialize in helping those dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

What does adult daycare abuse look like?

The abuse that an elderly or disabled person could face while attending adult daycare is similar to other types of elder abuse. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly one out of every 10 Americans aged 60 or over have experienced some form of elder abuse. However, instances of abuse are vastly underreported, so this number is likely much higher. 

There are various ways in which an adult daycare attendant could be abuse, including the following:

  • Physical abuse can include any physical pain or injury inflicted on an older adult. 
  • Sexual abuse includes a range of actions that could occur to an older adult, including touching, fondling, intercourse, or any other sexual activity.
  • Emotional abuse can include both verbal and non-verbal actions, including verbal assaults, threats of abuse, intimidation, or harassment.
  • Passive neglect can include failing to provide for an attendant’s basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible

If you suspect that your loved one has been abused while attending adult daycare, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Our Greenville adult daycare abuse attorney offers a free consultation of your case to find out what your next steps should be. The Dan Pruitt Law Firm is ready to help.

Horrific Case Of Assisted Living Facility Abuse Raises Local Questions

When you make the choice to put your loved one in an assisted living facility, you expect that they will be properly cared for. Regardless of why a person is in assisted living, they should be treated with respect and dignity. An incident that took place late last year in neighboring North Carolina raises many questions about the safety of elderly residents in nursing homes here in Greenville, South Carolina. 

They operated a “dementia fight club”

In October 2019, police in Winston-Salem received a tip about elder abuse occurring at Danby House, an assisted living and memory-care facility. Their investigation subsequently led to the arrest of three employees who were running a makeshift fight club. Their fighters were the dementia patients they were supposed to be caring for. All three employees were arrested and charged with assault on an individual with a disability. 

According to police reports, the employees filmed residents in Danby House’s “special care unit” fighting in residents’ rooms while other healthcare workers at the facility watched and recorded the incident on their own phones. In one incident, the “fighters” were 70 years old and 73 years old. Video shows one patient falling onto the bed while being assaulted and calling for help. 

Could this happen in Greenville?

Yes, this could certainly happen in our area. Any person who has a loved one that resides in an assisted living facility needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Visit your loved one frequently and look out for the following:

  • Malnutrition or dehydration 
  • Bedsores, pressure sores, pressure ulcers
  • Any unexplained weight loss
  • Suspected physical injury evidenced by painful reactions when touched
  • Unexplained bruises, torn skin, broken bones, or broken teeth.

You should also be aware of behavioral indicators of abuse that may not have physical signs, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Defensiveness
  • Depression
  • Fear of certain members of staff or volunteers
  • Fear
  • Helplessness
  • Hesitation to talk openly
  • Giving implausible excuses
  • Non-responsiveness
  • Withdrawal
  • Agitation
  • Anger

Contact a skilled nursing home abuse attorney today

If you suspect your loved one has been abused in an assisted living facility, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Greenville assisted living abuse attorneys at the Dan Pruitt Law Firm offer a free consultation of your case so we can discuss the steps necessary to protect your loved one and secure the compensation they deserve.

Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm
300 Pettigru Street, Suite 100
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 280-7660