Burns in Nursing Homes
Families with loved ones in nursing homes trust that nursing home staff will follow appropriate standards of care to keep elderly residents healthy, comfortable and, most importantly, safe. Unfortunately, negligence in nursing homes results in the injury and death of thousands of elderly Americans each year. Of the many types of injuries that can occur in long-term care facilities, one of the most serious is burns.
Causes of Nursing Home Burns
There are many ways in which nursing home misconduct can result in burns or scalding. Residents may be exposed to dangerously hot water when staff members fail to check the water temperature of a bath, for instance. Patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can become badly burned when using heated devices such as curling irons or coffee makers without adequate supervision.
Elderly residents allowed to smoke may suffer cigarette burns or even start a fire that threatens their life and the lives of other residents. Thinner skin, diminished senses and limited mobility can reduce an elderly person’s reaction time, allowing for more severe burn injuries.
When someone you love has suffered a burn injury or death in a nursing home, it’s only natural to wonder what could have been done to prevent the accident. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are required by law to comply with strict standards and inspections aimed at preventing fires, burns and other hazards. When nursing homes fail to uphold an appropriate standard of care, they may be legally liable for injuries sustained by residents.
Some of the most common causes of burns in nursing homes and long-term care facilities include, but are not limited to:
- Exposure to hot or scalding water, such as during a bath or shower
- Contact with radiators or heaters
- Use of heated appliances, such as coffee makers, stovetops, microwave ovens, and curling irons
- Unsupervised cigarette smoking or candle burning
- Accidental fires
Nursing home residents who suffer serious burn injuries face a long and painful road to recovery, if they are able to recover at all. Many burn victims are left disfigured, disabled, and in chronic pain. Unable to regain their strength due to already declining health, elderly burn victims may experienced depression and diminished quality of life in their final years. Families of the injured are often burdened with medical bills, the need to find a higher level of care, and an understandable amount of emotional distress. When nursing home negligence or misconduct contributes to burn injuries, victims and their families may be entitled to significant financial compensation for these losses.
Holding Illinois nursing homes accountable for burn injurie
Statistics show that serious injuries such as burns are most likely to occur in nursing homes that are understaffed or staffed by poorly trained employees. However, there is no excuse for neglect or lack of supervision that robs elderly patients of their health and their lives. When burns happen, it’s important to determine who is at fault. The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Offices have 65 years of experience successfully representing burn victims and their families. We know how to recognize nursing home neglect and abuse – and how to expertly investigate claims, build strong cases, and obtain justice on behalf of our clients.
Senior citizens should have the right to live out their lives in peace and comfort. Our Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to stopping nursing home abuse and helping injury victims and their families recover the damages and dignity they deserve.Â
Meet Our Team Chicago Attorneys for Nursing Home Burn Cases
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is a highly experienced lawyer based in Chicago, who helps people and families affected by burn injury in nursing home. He is the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices and has won many record-setting verdicts and settlements for his clients in Illinois and nearby states.Â
Stephen has received many honors, including being named an Illinois Super Lawyer and one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States. He earned his law degree from Loyola University and has spent his career fighting for the rights of injury victims, including those harmed in nursing homes. Stephen is known for his dedication, skill, and compassion in helping people get justice.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is a partner at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago who is dedicated to fighting for victims of serious injuries, including nursing home abuse. Since starting his legal career in 2001, Terry has gained extensive experience handling complex injury cases like trucking accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He is known for his thoughtful preparation and strong advocacy, helping families get fair compensation when their loved ones suffer harm due to others’ negligence.
Terry also contributes to the legal community through his writing and serves on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. With a reputation for being thorough, respectful, and results-driven, he is a trusted advocate for those dealing with painful situations like nursing home neglect or abuse. His work focuses on ensuring victims and families receive justice and support during difficult times.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is a partner at Phillips Law Offices who has built a strong record of helping injury victims across Chicago, including those suffering from nursing home abuse and neglect. A third-generation trial lawyer, Stephen has participated in many high-profile cases and helped secure multi-million dollar settlements. His education includes a degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago, where he excelled academically.
Stephen is known for his commitment to protecting vulnerable clients from powerful corporations and negligent individuals. He has been recognized as one of the top young trial lawyers in the country and is a dedicated member of several professional legal organizations. His focus is on fighting for justice and full compensation for victims and their families throughout Illinois.
Contact Phillips Law Offices For Nursing Home Burns Cases in Chicago
If someone you love has suffered a preventable injury or death in a nursing home, call us today at (312) 964-8296 or contact us online to discuss your legal options during a free no-obligation consultation.