Friday, July 8, 2011

Pekin Nursing Home Resident Dies in Fire

The Associated Press is reporting that 68-year-old Barbara Harris of Pekin died Wednesday at a Springfield hospital as a result of injuries she suffered in a fire at the UAW Senior Citizens Center. Harris was badly burned in the blaze. According to the reports, fire officials say Harris fell asleep while smoking in a chair in her room at the UAW Senior Citizens Center. Ms. Harris was using an oxygen tank at the time of the incident, and the oxygen accelerated the flames.

Similar cases have occurred in the past. The news reports due to address how long the fire was present prior to being discovered and does not address any of the circumstances as to how or why Ms. Harris was smoking in her room at the nursing home. In many nursing homes smoking is not permitted on the premises. It is unknown if the UAW Senior Citizens Center permitted smoking.

If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, please contact Illinois Nursing Home Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com. All initial consultations are confidential and free.