By: Christopher C. Walton, Attorney at Law
LEMON GROVE, CALIFORNIA - The California Department of Public Health instituted an investigation after a 74-year-old resident of Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation Center caught fire as she attempted to light a cigarette with her jacket while standing within the facility’s designated smoking area. As a result, the woman, who suffered from memory loss, confusion, and decreased safety awareness, incurred burns on her head, chest and arms, and died 10 days later.
Through its investigation, the California Department of Public Health discovered that the facility did not have staff supervising the residents located in the designated smoking area at the time the woman caught fire. It further found that Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation center did not institute routine or random monitoring to ensure that residents within the smoking area were safe. Based upon these deficiencies and the serious consequences which ensued, the California Department of Public Health issued the nursing home a “AA” citation and an $80,000 fine. In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the facility has changed its policy, and now ensures that there is always staff present when there are residents smoking in the designated area.
Berman & Riedel, LLP, has developed a reputation as a prominent California elder abuse and neglect litigation firm. Armed with experienced attorneys and staff, the firm understands these complex cases, and possesses the knowledge and compassion to aid victims of abuse and neglect in obtaining just compensation for their injuries.
Christopher C. Walton is an associate attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP, and handles elder abuse and neglect cases throughout the State of California.