Bar Register The Best Lawyers in America Primerus

March 31, 2010 - Dementia Patient's Death Ruled Homicide

The death of a dementia patient whose pajamas caught fire has been ruled a homicide by the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, Michigan officials said. Walter Gajewski Sr., 92, died Jan. 7 when he tried to stamp out a burning absorbent medical pad with his foot, the medical examiner's office said after a 12-week investigation.

Gajewski was alone in a community room of the psychiatric wing at Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, when he suffered third-degree burns, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

Neither Gajewski nor Botsford staff members were the cause of the fire, said Farmington Hills Police Chief Charles Nebus.

Investigators uncovered no explanation as to how the pad caught fire and no ignition source was found. The investigation remains open, The Detroit News reported Wednesday.

<< back

171 Monroe Ave. N.W. Grand Rapids MI 49503
toll free: 800.272.4080 voice: 616.458.2464
email: mail@buchananfirm.com fax: 616.458.0608

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.