ELDERLY MEN KILLED IN NURSING HOME FIRE. FAMILY SUES FOR WRONGFUL DEATH
Two seniors residents died and two others were injured in a fire at a nursing home last week. The family of one of the victims has sued the home for wrongful death, citing poor safety preparation and equipment. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older adult by a person or entity with which there is an expectation of trust. Abuse can be physical, financial, emotional or otherwise, and includes neglect and abandonment. Abuse need not be intentional, but it must cause the elderly victim harm or distress. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in California, please contact an experienced attorney for help now by calling 1-800-ALAWPRO for your free consultation.
The men who were killed in the fire were roommates, and the fire began in their closet around 11pm. Officials stated that “smoldering smoking materials” may have been the fire’s cause; however, the investigation is ongoing. The residents of the nursing home were alerted as to the fire by “individuals banging on their doors and coming in their rooms.” Neither smoke alarms nor fire alarms awakened the residents. It is unclear if any attempt was made by staff members to enter the room where the fire originated.
Two adult children of one of the dead senior victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf their father, who was 67. The suit seeks an inquiry as to whether safety equipment at the nursing home, including smoke and fire alarms, was installed and working properly. The claim also alleges that nursing home staff was not sufficiently trained to cope with emergencies.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of elder abuse or wrongful death in California? If you suspect the answer is yes, please call a lawyer to get the help and the answers you need. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP we have over 50 years combined experience in serving the wrongfully killed and injured. Please let us help you in your time of need by calling 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. Help is on the way.
