Bed Handles Linked to Injury and Fatality

Recently, The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Bed Handles, Inc. announced a second recall of 113,000 portable bed handles. The first recall issued in 2014 noted the safety hazards associated with the bed handles use. However, since then, four deaths and numerous injuries have resulted from use of the product, which can shift out of place if safety straps are not attached. All four deaths occurred due to entrapment between the mattress and bed handles.

Many seniors require use of bed handles to assist them with getting into and out of their beds. The bed handles recalled include the models “Original Bedside Assistance,” “Travel Handles,” and “Adjustable Bedside Assistant.” All the models were sold at home health care stores, drug stores, medical equipment stores, and by catalogue between 1994 and 2007. Those who already own one of these models are urged to stop using them immediately and contact Bed Handles, Inc. to obtain a free safety strap kit and instructions.

Due to physical limitations, the elderly are particularly at risk for injury. Therefore, it is extremely important to take safety precautions when possible to prevent such injuries. Manufacturers have a duty to create safe products and provide an adequate warning if there is a known danger which could cause injury if used in a foreseeable manner. If you have been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation on a theory of negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product such as bed handles, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and remedies. The attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss represent clients in personal injury claims related to defective products in New York, in all five boroughs including Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island as well as Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Call (332) 244-3917 for a consultation today.