Lawyers filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against a nursing home after Igor Shteyn died in a fire last week. The lawsuit alleges that staff members at the Hampton Plaza Health Center were not trained to deal with emergencies like a fire. It also asks a judge to allow an expert for the family to examine whether smoke alarms and other safety equipment were working properly.

The fire began in a closet in the third floor room Shteyn and two room mates shared. People banging on doors alerted residents about smoke coming from the room where Shteyn and a room mate were sleeping. According to witnesses, the smoke alarms in the rooms may not have been adequately functioning. Investigators said the fire may have been caused by smoldering smoking materials, but have not reached a conclusion.

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a growing problem in the United States. If you believe someone you care about may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a nursing home lawyer today.