Families throughout the greater Chicago area trust nursing homes to provide safe, compassionate care for their loved ones. When a resident suffers a burn injury, it raises serious questions about whether that trust has been broken. Older adults are especially vulnerable to burn injuries. Their skin is thinner, which makes them more prone to severe burns, and their bodies take longer to heal.
If a nursing home fails to take proper precautions, a facility becomes a place of danger. In some cases, a burn injury may be the first sign of a larger pattern of nursing home abuse and neglect. By asking the right questions, reporting concerns, and seeking legal advice, you can hold negligent nursing homes accountable and protect your loved one.
How do burn injuries happen in nursing homes?
Burn injuries in nursing homes can happen for several reasons. While some result from unavoidable accidents, others occur due to neglect or even intentional harm. The most common causes include:
- Scalding injuries: Hot water in sinks, showers, and cups of coffee or tea can cause serious burns if temperatures aren’t properly regulated. Caregivers should always test the water before helping residents bathe or drink.
- Contact burns: Residents may suffer burns from heating pads, space heaters, or radiators. If they’re left unattended or have mobility issues, prolonged contact with a hot surface can cause severe burns.
- Chemical burns: Harsh cleaning products and disinfectants can cause chemical burns if improperly handled or left where residents can accidentally touch them.
- Electrical burns: Faulty wiring, exposed outlets, and malfunctioning medical equipment can be hazardous, particularly for residents with cognitive impairments.
Are burn injuries a sign of abuse or neglect?
Not all burn injuries indicate elder abuse, but certain patterns should raise red flags. Here’s what to be on the lookout for:
- Unexplained burns: If staff can’t provide a clear, consistent explanation for how a burn occurred, it may be a sign of neglect or mistreatment.
- Repeated injuries: A single accident might not indicate abuse, but multiple burns over time suggest a pattern of neglect or unsafe conditions.
- Delayed medical treatment: Burns require immediate medical attention. If a facility fails to seek proper care in a timely manner, it may indicate neglect.
- Restraint burns: Friction burns around the wrists or ankles could mean a resident has been improperly restrained.
What are the consequences of burn injuries for elderly residents?
For elderly residents, burn injuries can lead to serious complications. Their fragile skin and slower healing process make even minor burns a major concern. Some of the most severe consequences include:
- Pain and infection: Burns are painful and leave open wounds that can become infected, especially in residents with weakened immune systems.
- Permanent scarring and mobility issues: Deep burns may cause scarring and contractures, which limits a resident’s ability to move freely.
- Emotional trauma: Experiencing a painful injury, especially in a setting where one should feel safe, can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of trust in caregivers.
- Increased risk of hospitalization or death: Severe burns can result in complications such as sepsis, dehydration, or shock. This often leads to hospitalization and, in some cases, death.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
If a loved one has suffered a burn injury in a Chicao-area nursing home, it’s important to act quickly. First, take photos of the burn injury. Note when and where it happened and request copies of your loved one’s medical records. You can also try speaking with nursing home staff or administration about how the injury occurred. However, if their responses seem inconsistent or vague, that could be a sign of a deeper issue.
If you get nowhere with the nursing home, it may be time to report the abuse or neglect to the right authorities. If you believe that your loved one is in danger, call the police right away so they can investigate. Then, get your loved one transferred to a new facility, if possible.
In Illinois, you can report nursing home abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Public Health by calling their Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-800-252-4343 or filing a complaint online through their website. You can also contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-800-252-8966 for advocacy and assistance.
When to contact a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney
No resident should suffer because of neglect or abuse. If a Chicago-area nursing home fails to protect residents from burn injuries or other preventable harm, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Ferrell Young, LLC can investigate the nursing home’s safety practices and history of violations, hold negligent staff and facilities accountable, and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
Our legal team knows how to uncover the facts and build strong cases for nursing home abuse and neglect victims and their families. Whether the injury resulted from scalding water, faulty equipment, or caregiver neglect, we’ll fight to ensure those responsible are held accountable and your family gets answers, fair compensation, and peace of mind.
Don’t wait to take action; your loved one’s health and safety depend on it. Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your potential legal options. Contact us today to speak with an experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable Chicago nursing home abuse attorney who will stand up for your family and demand justice.
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