I’ve Heard There Was a Recall on Bed Rails, but the Nursing Home My Father Is In Still Uses Them. What Should I Do?

While not all bed rails have been recalled, 113,000 bed handles have been recalled after they were linked to three deaths. According to the recall listed on the CPSC website, the bed rails that were recalled were portable bed handles by Bed Handles Inc., model BA10W.

The reason these handles were recalled is because they can shift out of place and allow a large gap to occur between the side of the mattress and the bed handle. When this happens, it poses a risk to elderly nursing homes patients, as they are at risk for entrapment, strangulation and death.

The recalled bed handles didn’t have safety retention straps like many other bed rails have. However, many bed rails still pose a danger to nursing home residents who are weak and disoriented. This is because patients can get stuck in between the mattress and bed rail and cannot turn over on their own.

When bed rails are not flush with the mattress, haven’t been installed properly, or are used on residents’ beds who are at risk for suffering injuries or fatalities, it is important to speak out about it. If the nursing home where your father resides is using bed rails on his bed and they don’t fit right or there aren’t retention straps, you should voice your concerns about the risks of bed rails and the potential for injuries and fatalities.

If your father has been harmed by a defective bed or side rail, you may have a nursing home lawsuit in Florida and should contact a lawyer today. You can reach the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable South Florida nursing home attorney.