Deceased pensioner’s family sues care home
A 79 year old female dementia patient’s family members are suing a Congleton, Cheshire care home for professional negligence on the part of the carer.
The pensioner died in August of 2008, after the male carer responsible for her safety began a fire in the elderly woman’s room with a cigarette lighter.
The woman suffered severe burns, dying the week after in a hospital in Manchester. Chester Crown Court has since convicted the carer of murder, sentencing him to 27 years in prison.
The son and daughter-in-law of the victim have begun legal proceedings against the founding healthcare of the male carer. They say that the decision to demand compensation was not an easy one; they were quite happy with the care home’s other staff members, who demonstrated adequate care; however, they are fighting now for their principles, not the compensation they stand to gain.
The daughter-in-law commented that the care home should have taken proper measures in checking the carers’ backgrounds before they were employed. The convicted carer had no criminal record; his medical record, however, which was examined during the course of the investigation, revealed that he had a history of starting fires.
The son and daughter-in-law have confirmed that they are seeking professional negligence compensation on the grounds of vicarious liability: this entails that the employer is responsible for the actions of their employee during the period of employment. If you or a family member have suffered due to professional negligence, do not delay in seeing that justice is done.
Updated on 10/28/2010