We recently filed suit against an assisted living facility in Battle Creek claiming negligence in the case of a 72-year-old individual with severe dementia, who while living in a “locked down unit” eloped through a third floor window. The doors are locked and alarmed. The window has no safety devices on it.
While valid concerns exist regarding fire safety, common sense suggests that windows in these units must be alarmed to alert staff if a resident sees the window as a chance to leave. People who have dementia do not always think rationally.
This is the second case of window elopement we have pending. The injuries in both cases are catastrophic. The lack of sensible safety devices is inexcusable.