Reminder from Federal Regulators About Bed Handle Recall

In May 2014, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled adult bed handles. The recall covered 113,000-bed handles that are portable and L-shaped. Safety retention straps were not on the handles, and those straps were used to keep the handles in place.Because the straps were missing, three people were killed after they became trapped in the gap created by the bed handles. One of the people killed was a disabled woman. The other two were elderly women; however, all three of the women lived in group facilities.The problem is that fewer than 1 percent of the people and facilities that purchased the bed handles have responded to the recall. The straps are free and can be ordered from Bed Handles Inc., located in Blue Springs, Missouri. Until the straps are available to use with the bed handles, the handles should not be used.

Adult Bed Handle Recall Concerns

The bed handles were sold under the product names of Adjustable Bedside Assistant, Original Bedside Assistant, and Travel Handles. They were sold at medical equipment stores, home health care stores, and drug stores at a cost of around $100.Nursing homes and other healthcare facilities that use these handles without the straps could be guilty of nursing home neglect. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding those using these bed handles of the recall. The recall lists the risks, especially to disabled or elderly individuals.If your loved one suffered harm because of these bed handles, there may be a case for personal injury. You want your loved one to be well cared for, and the failure to recognize and comply with this recall could have significant implications for the facility caring for your loved one. We invite you to contact our law office with any questions you may have about your legal rights regarding a care facility's negligence by calling 212-869-3500. We represent clients in New York and the surrounding area.Data Source: U.S. News and World Report, "Safety regulators say few consumers have responded to bed handle recall despite 3 deaths," Sep. 17, 2015