The fatal fire last week at Gabriel House Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility in Fall River last week, in which 10 residents perished, is a devastating reminder of how vulnerable nursing home residents really are. This truth becomes even more real when staffing shortages are tolerated and patient safety takes second place. At this point, it appears that this awful fire may have been caused by a combustible mix of an oxygen tank and smoking materials, as both were found in a room on the second floor of the facility. The resident in that room perished in the fire, so a 100% confirmation that this is what caused the fire, can presently be made.
Officials have determined the cause of this tragedy “An accident, not intentional.” Is this supposed to comfort the families and friends of the dead and injured? Is this supposed to make families feel relieved? The Fall River Herald News has reported that residents have expressed repeated concerns and worries concerns over low staffing, lack of regular fire drills, elevator operation problems, and insufficient monitoring of personal items that could be potentially flammable. The information obtained so far raises very serious questions of management and ownership oversight and accountability.
Liability for Nursing Home Negligence