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Burns from Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse
Burns pose a serious health risk. Every year, residents of Nursing Homes die after sustaining fatal burn injuries. Common Burns suffered as a result of Nursing Home Negligence include friction Burns, burns from hot water, and burns sustained in fires.
Friction Burns
A friction burn is caused when the skin rubs against a surface. A common cause of friction burns are restraints. The condition can be serious because friction can cause genuine burning of the skins outer layer. If you believe that restraints are causing friction burns it is important to act so that further injury can be prevented.
Burns from Hot Water Scalding
Water that is too hot poses a serious safety hazard. Nursing Homes must take proper safety precautions to prevent water in sinks, showers, and tubs from reaching temperatures high enough to cause injury. In addition, caretakers must be near patients so that if a problem arises they can provide immediate assistance. If you believe that a facility has water that poses a safety hazard and they fail to remedy the situation, contact a Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Attorney immediately.
A nursing home resident may also suffer burns if they spill a hot food or beverage on themselves. Elderly people have reduced reaction time and decreased mobility. This is why it is important that staff provide assistance when residents are handling food or beverages that are warm. In addition, all food and beverages must be checked to make sure they never reach temperatures that pose a danger.
Burns from Fire
According to a report in USA Today, more than half of the nation's 16,000 nursing homes are in violation of federal fire standards. This is particularly troublesome given the fact that many nursing home residents are bedridden and are unable to evacuate on their own if a fire occurs.
Congress has failed to pass a law that would require sprinklers in all nursing homes. The State of Pennsylvania has also failed to pass a law that would protect its elderly residents in nursing home facilities. A survey conducted by the American Health Care Association showed that of 962 nursing homes in Pennsylvania, only 66% were equipped with sprinkler systems.
It is important that the Pennsylvania Nursing Home you select takes precautions to protect residents in the case of a fire. Important questions to ask include:
• Do all rooms housing residents meet fire safety codes?
• Does the facility take proper safety measures such as using smoke alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers?
• Is there an alarm that will immediately notify the fire department if a fire breaks out?
• Do caregivers properly supervise patients to prevent them from smoking in their rooms?
• Are bed linens and pillows fire retardant?
