Hilton Head Island Nursing Home Lawsuit

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive proper care, respect, and attention. Sadly, this is not always the case. A recent lawsuit against a Hilton Head Island nursing home highlights the dangerous consequences of negligence and medication errors that can lead to death. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what happened in this case, the broader issue of nursing home abuse, how a nursing home abuse attorney can help, and what signs to watch out for if you suspect that your loved one is not receiving the care they deserve.

The Lawsuit: What Happened?

In September 2022, Mary Roerty filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Life Care Center of Hilton Head after her husband, Gerard Roerty, died in August 2020. Gerard had been admitted to the nursing home after contracting sepsis from a urinary tract infection. Sadly, he was given the wrong dosage of fluoxetine, an antidepressant. This caused a fatal overdose.

Gerard’s prescribed dosage was supposed to be 90 milligrams of fluoxetine weekly. However, the nursing home mistakenly administered the entire 90 milligrams every day. This error caused an overdose, which interacted with his heart medication and contributed to his medical decline. Two days before his death, Gerard was transferred to the hospital, but it was too late to save him.

The lawsuit also highlights other issues during Gerard’s stay, including unexplained injuries like fractured ribs and bleeding on his scalp. The nursing home failed to notify the family about these injuries and did not document any falls. Despite these serious problems, the Life Care Center denied any wrongdoing but agreed to a $400,000 settlement.

The Problem with Nursing Home Abuse

This tragic case is not an isolated incident. Nursing home abuse, neglect, and mistreatment are all too common in facilities across the country. Whether it’s medication errors, physical abuse, or poor living conditions, elderly residents are at risk.

Nursing homes are meant to provide care and safety for vulnerable people, but many are understaffed, undertrained, or poorly managed. In some cases, staff members may fail to follow basic medical protocols or may be negligent in their duties, which can result in life-threatening situations.

The problem with nursing home abuse is that it’s not always easy to spot. Many elderly residents have difficulty communicating, making it hard for family members to know what’s going on. Additionally, some nursing homes may try to cover up their mistakes or downplay the seriousness of the situation. This is why it’s so important to stay vigilant and know what to look out for.

How a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home, a nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your legal rights and seek justice. Nursing home abuse attorneys specialize in holding facilities accountable for their actions and ensuring that victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.

Here’s how an attorney can assist you:

1. Investigating the Claim – Nursing home abuse attorneys have the resources and experience to investigate the situation thoroughly. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records to build a strong case on your behalf. 
2. Fighting for Compensation – If negligence or abuse is proven, an attorney can help secure compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, emotional distress, and even pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the facility for their misconduct. 
3. Legal Representation – Filing a lawsuit against a nursing home can be overwhelming. A nursing home abuse attorney will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your case is handled correctly. 
4. Preventing Future Abuse – By holding nursing homes accountable, attorneys help prevent future cases of abuse and neglect. Their efforts can lead to changes in policies and practices that improve the safety and well-being of all residents. 

Not Sure if You Need Help? Here’s What to Look Out For

It’s not always easy to tell if your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse. However, there are some warning signs to look for:

1. Unexplained Injuries – If your loved one has unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, or other injuries, especially if they are reluctant to explain how they occurred, it could be a sign of abuse. 
2. Medication Errors – Keep track of your loved one’s prescriptions and dosages. If you notice that medication is not being administered properly or that your loved one’s condition worsens after taking certain medications, it may be due to improper care or medication errors. 
3. Sudden Behavioral Changes – If your loved one begins to act differently—becoming anxious, fearful, withdrawn, or depressed—it could be a sign that they are being mistreated or neglected. 
4. Lack of Communication or Transparency – If the nursing home staff is not open or transparent about your loved one’s condition, or if they are defensive when asked about your loved one’s care, it could indicate a problem. 
5. Poor Hygiene or Living Conditions – Nursing homes should maintain a clean and comfortable environment for residents. If you notice that your loved one’s living space is dirty, or that their hygiene is being neglected, it may be a sign of inadequate care. 

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action. You can start by speaking with your loved one, reporting the issue to the nursing home management, and consulting with a nursing home abuse attorney to explore your options.

How KBD Attorneys Can Help

At KBD Attorneys, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases. We understand the emotional and financial toll that nursing home abuse can take on families, and we are holding negligent facilities accountable.

We are proud of our track record of success in nursing home abuse cases. Our most recent victory was a $10 million settlement for a client whose loved one was the victim of nursing home neglect. We fight tirelessly to ensure that our client received the compensation they deserved and that the facility was held responsible for its actions.

If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated or neglected, we are here to help. We have the expertise, resources, and commitment to guide you through the legal process and help you secure justice for your family. Let us fight for you, just as we fought for our recent clients who won $10 million. We want to do the same for you.

Conclusion

Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that affects countless families every year. The case of Gerard Roerty’s wrongful death is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of nursing home negligence. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can make a significant difference in securing justice and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

At KBD Attorneys, we  fight for the rights of nursing home abuse victims. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. Together, we can take action to protect your loved ones and prevent future tragedies.