Accountability and Compensation for Nursing Home Burn Injuries

In Georgia and across the U.S., burn injuries in nursing homes can have devastating consequences for elderly residents. These injuries may occur due to various factors, including negligent care, lack of supervision, or unsafe conditions within the facility. When a loved one suffers a burn injury in a nursing home, it's essential to understand their legal rights and options for seeking justice.

If your loved one has experienced a burn injury in a Georgia nursing home, you may be entitled to pursue compensation on their behalf. Consulting with a knowledgeable nursing home neglect attorney can help you understand your legal rights and explore potential avenues for holding the facility accountable for its negligence.

At Kurle Justus, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of nursing home residents who have suffered harm due to neglect or abuse. If you believe your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect resulting in a burn injury, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a confidential consultation. We are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to help you and your family seek the justice you deserve.

How do burn injuries happen in nursing homes?

Burn injuries can occur in nursing homes due to various factors and circumstances. Some common causes of burn injuries in nursing homes include:

Scalds

Scald injuries in nursing homes often stem from accidents during mealtime or bathing routines. Improper supervision or mishandling hot food and beverages during meal preparation or serving can lead to severe burns. Neglecting to regulate water temperature during baths and showers can also result in scald injuries. These seemingly minor oversights can have serious consequences, causing burn injuries that result in significant pain and suffering for residents.

Fires

Despite safety regulations, fires remain a serious threat in nursing home settings, posing a significant risk of severe and sometimes fatal burn injuries to residents. Factors such as faulty electrical wiring or smoking in restricted areas can contribute to the outbreak of fires in nursing facilities. Malfunctioning smoke detectors or insufficient staff training in fire evacuation procedures can also put vulnerable residents at greater risk of burn injuries.

Abuse

Perhaps the most distressing cause of nursing home burn injuries is abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. In some cases, staff members may intentionally inflict burns on residents as a form of punishment or control. This can come from restraints or cigarette burns. Burn injuries that result from abuse not only cause physical harm but also inflict lasting trauma on residents and their families who trust their caregivers to provide compassionate care.

What are the classifications of burns?

In nursing homes, residents can suffer a scale of different burn injuries. The higher the degree, the more severe the burn:

First-degree burn

This type of burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. It typically presents with redness, pain, and minor swelling. First-degree burns are often caused by brief contact with a hot surface, such as a stove or steam, and usually heal within a few days without scarring.

Second-degree burn

These burns extend beyond the outer layer of the skin and into the underlying layer, known as the dermis. They are characterized by blistering, severe pain, swelling, and redness. Second-degree burns can result from exposure to flames, hot liquids, or prolonged sun exposure. While they typically heal within a few weeks with proper care, they may leave behind scars and require medical attention to prevent infection.

Third-degree burn

This type of burn affects all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The skin may appear charred, white, or leathery, and nerve damage can result in numbness. Third-degree burns are typically caused by prolonged exposure to flames, chemicals, or hot objects and require immediate medical attention. Treatment often involves skin grafting and long-term rehabilitation to restore function and appearance.

Fourth-degree burn

Fourth-degree burns can damage muscles, tendons, and even bones by extending through all skin layers and underlying tissues. These severe burns often result in extensive tissue loss, requiring surgical intervention and intensive medical care. In addition to the risk of infection and complications, individuals with fourth-degree burns may experience significant scarring and long-term disability.

Fifth-degree burn

This level of burn extends beyond the skin and affects deeper tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Fifth-degree burns are catastrophic injuries that can result from high-impact trauma, electrical accidents, or prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Treatment may involve extensive surgery, including amputation, and long-term rehabilitation to address functional limitations and complications.

Sixth-degree burn

The most severe classification, a sixth-degree burn involves the complete destruction of skin and underlying tissues, extending to organs and bones. These burns are often fatal or result in permanent disability, requiring immediate medical intervention and intensive care. Survivors of sixth-degree burns may face lifelong challenges, including chronic pain, disfigurement, and loss of function, necessitating ongoing medical treatment and support.

Consequences of burns in nursing home residents

A burn injury can be excruciating on its own, causing immense pain and discomfort for an individual. However, it often brings additional complications, particularly for elderly residents in nursing homes. These complications may include:

• Delayed wound healing.
• Increased risk of infections.
• Impaired mobility.
• Sepsis.
• Shock.
• Organ failure.
• Death.