A product is considered defective if it is unreasonably dangerous, does not carry sufficient warnings, or the manufacturer fails to provide complete and adequate instructions for use of the product. Every year thousands of consumers are injured by defective or faulty products. The results are often serious, sometimes deadly. In my continuing effort to keep my readers and their loved ones safe, here is a recent product recall that affects the elderly and disabled.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Bed Handles Inc., of Blue Springs, Mo., have recalled over 110,000 adult portable bed handles after three woman reportedly died after becoming entrapped between the mattress and the bed handles. An investigation into the product revealed that if attached without the use of the safety retention straps, the handle can shift out of place creating a dangerous gap between the handle and the side of the bed. Officials say it poses a serious risk of injury, entrapment, strangulation and death. Recalled models were sold from January 1994, through December 2007, for about $100 and include the Original Bedside Assistant (BA10W), the Travel Handles (BA11W) which is sold as a set of two bed handles, and the Adjustable Bedside Assistant (AJ1). Consumers should immediately stop using all recalled bed handles and contact Bed Handles Inc. at 800-735-6903 for free safety retention straps to secure the bed handle to the bed frame.
Consumers need to be extra vigilant in protecting themselves against injury from faulty products and should periodically review product recall lists available from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company.
