Burns and Scalding Injuries

Compassionate Georgia Lawyers Handling Nursing Home Burn Injury Cases

Elderly residents in nursing homes face a higher risk of severe burns and scalds than the general population. Thin skin, medical conditions, and reduced mobility make even mild burns potentially life-threatening. When staff fail to provide proper supervision or follow safety regulations, these injuries are often the direct result of negligence. If your family member suffered harm from scalding or fire-related incidents, speaking with a Georgia burns and scalding injuries lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Burn injuries in long-term care facilities are rarely accidents without fault. Most incidents occur because staff ignore safety standards, leave residents unattended, or fail to monitor water temperatures properly. Suthers & Harper represents families across Georgia and South Carolina in nursing home injury cases, holding facilities accountable when preventable harm occurs.

Causes of Burns and Scalds in Nursing Homes

Burns in nursing homes often result from avoidable hazards. Federal guidelines require nursing homes to maintain hot water temperatures below 120°F, yet violations are common. Scalding injuries frequently occur during baths or showers when the water is too hot. Residents may also be burned by spilled coffee or tea if staff fail to assist properly.

Therapeutic devices such as heating pads, space heaters, or hydrocollators present additional dangers when left unattended. A resident with limited mobility cannot remove a heating pad that is too hot, which can quickly cause second or third-degree burns. Facilities that cut corners on supervision put residents at risk.

Nursing homes must anticipate these risks and take reasonable precautions. When they fail to do so, families have the right to pursue claims with the help of a Georgia nursing home injury attorney.

The Serious Impact of Burn Injuries on Elderly Residents

Burn injuries have especially severe consequences for older adults. According to the American Burn Association, adults over 65 account for nearly 20 percent of hospitalizations related to burns. Survival rates decline with age, and elderly burn patients face higher risks of infection, sepsis, and pneumonia following injury. Even relatively minor burns can lead to weeks or months of hospitalization.

• Long-term effects include:
• Chronic pain requiring ongoing medication;
• Permanent scarring and reduced mobility; and
• Increased risk of depression and social withdrawal.

These complications not only diminish quality of life but may shorten life expectancy. Families should not bear these burdens alone when negligence caused the injury. Medication overdoses and adverse reactions represent another common form of harm that residents may suffer in nursing homes.

Signs of Negligence in Burn Cases

When investigating a potential case, lawyers look for patterns of nursing home neglect that point to liability. Common warning signs include:

• Lack of supervision during bathing or meal times;
• Water heater settings above federally recommended safety levels;
• Staff using heating devices without protective covers; and
• Delays in calling emergency medical providers after an incident.

Negligence can also be shown by repeated violations cited in state inspection reports. In Georgia, the Department of Community Health publishes deficiency reports that often reveal a history of poor safety practices. These records can support claims that a facility failed to protect residents from foreseeable dangers.

Legal Responsibility for Burn and Scalding Injuries

Nursing homes have a duty under both state and federal law to keep residents safe from preventable harm. When staff ignore safety protocols, the facility itself may be held liable. Litigation may involve examining maintenance logs, interviewing witnesses, and consulting burn injury specialists to prove negligence.

Defendants in these cases often attempt to blame pre-existing conditions or argue that the injury was unavoidable. A Savannah burns and scalding injuries lawyer can counter these defenses with medical testimony and documentary evidence. Facilities with repeated violations may also face regulatory fines, which further support civil claims.

Speak With a Georgia Burns and Scalding Injuries Lawyer Today

If your loved one suffered serious burns in a nursing home, you deserve answers and accountability. Suthers & Harper has been standing up for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect for more than 25 years, even when other law firms refused to take these cases. Our attorneys understand the medical and legal challenges of burn injuries, and we have the financial resources to hold negligent facilities accountable. With decades of trial experience and a proven history of protecting elderly residents, we fight to maximize recovery for our clients. Call 800.320.2384 today to discuss your case with a Georgia burns and scalding injuries lawyer.