What is the Maximum Amount You Can Sue a Nursing Home for Negligence in South Carolina?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, a nursing home lawsuit may result in a large settlement amount. In some instances, this amount has even exceeded $1 million. While this might not be the result of your suit, working with a lawyer skilled in nursing home abuse will help ensure your case receives the maximum settlement amount you are entitled.
Because the vast majority of cases end up settling before going to trial, it’s critical to hire a lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve, which means not settling for anything less than what your case is worth. This includes ensuring you are adequately compensated for things you and your loved one may have endured, like pain and suffering, medical bills, and future financial losses.
What Factors Affect How Much a Nursing Home Abuse Case is Worth?
So, what is the maximum amount of money you can legally sue a nursing home for in South Carolina? While there is no set limit, a few factors impact the amount your case is likely to be evaluated at. Let’s take a look below at some of these elements.
The Amount of Evidence in Your Case
This one may seem a bit obvious, but the more evidence proving the nursing home abused your loved one, the higher your settlement amount will likely be. Concrete proof such as medical documentation, video surveillance, eyewitness reports, and bills all help to build a stronger case against the abuser.
The Cost of Medical Treatments
Your attorney will likely want to collect all medical bills related to your loved one’s abuse, along with any estimates for long-term care and related medical services. The larger the costs of all past and future medical treatments, the more likely your settlement amount will reflect those expenses.
Past Abuse Allegations
Any history of misconduct or abuse at the nursing home facility adds credence to your claim and can increase the value of your case.
How Severe the Abuse Was
Often, the compensation the victim receives for a nursing home abuse case depends on the type of abuse sustained, how long it occurred, and the severity of it. If the victim passed away as a result of the abuse, then the plaintiff representing them is likely to receive a higher settlement offer.
Whether the Defense is Eligible for Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a type of monetary damage awarded to punish the defendant and discourage others from doing a similar crime. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages require proof that the defendant acted in a wanton, willful, or reckless way to endanger the victim.
Local Jurisdiction Limits
Several local factors can affect your settlement amount, as many local and state laws limit the amount of punitive and non-economic damages you can receive. In addition, past court verdicts may set the legal precedent for settlement amounts. It’s also essential to understand the statute of limitations for your state— in South Carolina, a case must be filed within three years from when the injury occurred.
Have You or Someone You Loved Been a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina?
You don’t have to be a victim any longer—hiring an experienced nursing home negligence lawyer will ensure that those who are guilty will be held responsible for their actions. Hiring a lawyer also guarantees that your case will be represented in the best light possible so that you receive the maximum settlement amount you deserve. While there is no set limit or standard as to how much your case is worth, a lawyer can guide you through the process and inform you on what to expect for your potential settlement amount.
