How to investigate and file a claim for nursing home resident burns
Nursing home burns serve as red flags for potential abuse or neglect within the facility. In extreme cases, burns may be deliberately inflicted, constituting abuse.
Burn injuries are categorized into degrees: first-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin, second-degree burns affect deeper layers and may cause blisters, third-degree burns damage all skin layers and underlying tissues, and fourth-degree burns extend to muscles and bones, with higher degrees indicating more severe damage.
Given the seriousness of nursing home burns, they warrant thorough investigation and intervention to protect residents and hold negligent or abusive nursing homes accountable.
What are the most common causes of burns in nursing homes?
Nursing home burns can occur due to various reasons. Inadequate supervision increases the risk of accidents leading to burns, while poor training leaves staff ill-equipped to handle safety protocols. Facility neglect, including maintenance issues and hazards like exposed wiring, demonstrates a disregard for resident safety. Here are some ways nursing home burns can happen and why they indicate a problem:
Scalding
Hot water from baths, showers, or spilled liquids can cause severe burns if not properly managed. Inadequate supervision or improper temperature regulation can lead to scalding incidents.
Contact with hot surfaces
Poor facility maintenance or a lack of safety measures may cause residents to accidentally touch hot surfaces such as radiators, heaters, or stoves.
Chemical burns
Exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals or improper handling of medications can result in chemical burns. Negligence in storing these substances securely and providing proper training to staff can lead to such incidents.
Electrical burns
Faulty electrical appliances or wiring within the nursing home can cause electrical burns if residents come into contact with them. This can happen due to inadequate maintenance or oversight.
Friction burns
Friction burns can occur when a resident's skin rubs against a surface repeatedly or forcefully, such as from being dragged or moved improperly by staff members.
Cigarette burns
Intentional or accidental cigarette burns can occur if staff or other residents smoke near the resident or if they are not monitored properly.
Accidental fires
Accidental fires can occur in nursing homes if fire hazards are not promptly and properly addressed. To ensure safety, nursing homes must maintain their smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, provide residents with appropriate fire-safety equipment such as blankets and aprons, and keep doorways and walkways clear of obstacles. Additionally, having a well-planned evacuation strategy and sufficient staff to execute it effectively is crucial for minimizing danger to residents.
How to investigate nursing home burns
When nursing home burn injuries seem like signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, an investigation is necessary to ensure the resident's health and safety. Asking questions is necessary for protecting residents, preventing further harm, and deterring future incidents. Here are some steps to take if you are concerned that a burn is a sign of nursing home neglect and abuse:
- Get immediate medical attention. Ensure the resident receives medical care for their burn injuries right away.
- Document the incident. Gather all available information related to the incident, including witness statements, medical records, and any reports filed by staff members or the nursing home. Document the nature and extent of the burns, including their location and severity.
- Interview the resident. Talk to your loved one in a safe and private environment. Ask about how the burn happened and whether they feel safe in the facility.
- Interview staff. Interview relevant staff members who were on duty at the time of the incident. Inquire about their observations and actions. Ask whether similar incidents have occurred in the past and how they were handled by the nursing home.
- Inspect the facility. Do a visual inspection of the nursing home premises, focusing on areas relevant to the incident, such as bathrooms, common areas, and resident rooms. Look for any safety hazards or signs of neglect, such as malfunctioning equipment or poor maintenance.
- Consult an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse attorney. Contact an attorney with experience handling cases of elder abuse and neglect. They can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and facility as well as explain your rights and legal options for justice and compensation.
- Report to authorities. If abuse or neglect is suspected, report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as adult protective services, law enforcement, or regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing nursing homes. An attorney can assist with reporting what happened.
How to file a nursing home abuse and neglect claim or lawsuit
To file a nursing home claim or lawsuit over an incident where abuse and neglect led to a resident being burned, contact an attorney right away. In Georgia, the nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Johnson Greer Law Group can help gather evidence, assess liability, and take legal action. If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect resulting in burns, contact us for a free case evaluation to discuss your options for seeking justice and compensation.
"I would have to say, looking back that it was actually a very good experience. Nothing can bring mom back; that is very hard. But having George help us understand the injury and making the nursing home company that hurt her pay for it, that at least made a bad situation more bearable. From that standpoint, we are grateful to George and all he did for mom and for us." - Actual client