The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across this country and South Carolina. Unfortunately, as of this writing, confirmed cases of this virus and deaths due to COVID-19 continue to rise in SC. We are now learning that, as COVID-19 was raging across South Carolina this spring, approximately two dozen nursing homes and extended care facilities allegedly failed to adequately protect residents from the virus.
What happened in SC nursing homes?
According to a report released by The State newspaper, complaints that were lodged with state regulators say that nursing homes exposed many residents to dangerous and unsanitary conditions and did not take steps necessary to adequately protect residents. The complaints assert that, in some cases, the nursing home staff knew about problems at their facilities but tried to cover them up. Other complaints allege that nursing homes refused to test residents for COVID-19 and failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment to protect staff and residents.
As of the time of those writing, state regulators say they have not found evidence of “imminent harm” to nursing home residents, but they are looking into the complaints. Laura Renwick, A spokesperson with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) says that all allegations will be investigated as part of upcoming regular inspections of facilities.
If any of the complaints are found to be true, this can result in DHEC forcing nursing homes to make improvements. If evidence of extreme violations his present, the nursing homes could be fined.
Recent data released by DHEC shows that nursing home residents make up more than one-third of the state’s total COVID-19-related deaths, despite representing only 11.8% of those who have tested positive. There are 194 nursing homes in South Carolina.
Let the Dan Pruitt Law Firm help
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. We will thoroughly investigate your claim in order to secure the compensation you and your loved one need. This can include coverage on medical bills, relocation to a new facility, pain and suffering damages, and possibly punitive damages against the nursing home. You can contact our Greenville nursing home abuse attorney for a free consultation of your case today.