How long do I have to file a hospital or hospice abuse claim in South Carolina?
You generally have three years under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530. If the case involves a government-operated hospital, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act may impose a shorter two-year deadline. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
What if the hospital says my loved one’s bedsores were unavoidable?
This is a common defense, and it is rarely accurate. Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a well-recognized quality measure, and hospitals are required to assess patients for pressure injury risk and implement prevention protocols. An experienced attorney can review the medical records and demonstrate whether the hospital met or failed the standard of care.
Can I sue a hospice provider for abuse or neglect?
Yes. Hospice providers — whether they deliver care in a facility or in the patient’s home — have a legal duty to provide competent, compassionate care. South Carolina’s Omnibus Adult Protection Act extends protections to vulnerable adults in hospice care.
Can I sue a hospital for neglect in South Carolina?
Yes. Hospitals owe their patients a duty of care that includes safe staffing, proper fall prevention, medication safety, and timely response to medical needs. When a hospital fails to meet this standard and a patient is injured as a result, the hospital can be held liable.