The recall concerns two models of Medline’s “Bed Assist Bars,” specifically identified by model numbers MDS6800BA and MDS6800BAH. These products, sold from July 2009 through March 2024 in the United States and Canada, have been associated with serious risks and at least two deaths. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has highlighted that these bed rails pose “a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation.” Such hazards were sadly realized in the reported deaths of a 76-year-old woman at an Iowa senior nursing facility in 2019, and an 87-year-old woman at a South Carolina residential care facility in 2023.

The CPSC would like consumers to report any related incidents to the agency at http://www.saferproducts.gov/. 

The Elderly Deserve Safer Environments

The incidents reported raise significant concerns under elder care and safety regulations. Illinois elder law and nursing home regulations emphasize the protection of senior citizens, particularly those residing in care facilities. Facilities are legally required to provide a safe environment for their residents, and products used within these environments must meet safety standards to prevent such tragic incidents.

In the context of these deaths, questions arise about the adequacy of nursing home facilities’ safety measures and the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure product safety. The fact that the bed rails were not securely attached to the beds, leading to fatal entrapments, indicates potential negligence on multiple fronts, including product design, manufacturing, and oversight within the caregiving facilities.

Notably, the FDA provides these safety recommendations for consumers and caregivers regarding portable bedrails. In July 2023, the Federal Register also published new rules from the SPSC in a document accessible online: Safety Standard for Adult Portable Bed Rails. In the document, death and injuries from asphyxiation are referenced in relation to the use of adult bed rails. 

Levin & Perconti – Pioneers in Nursing Home Litigation

At Levin & Perconti, we advocate for the rights and safety of the elderly. This case underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for constant vigilance by manufacturers and caregiving institutions alike. Our nursing home abuse and negligence attorneys are committed to holding responsible parties accountable, pushing for a thorough investigation into both the product’s safety and the practices of facilities where these tragedies occurred. 

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For families affected by such negligence, Illinois law offers pathways to justice, including the potential for pursuing claims related to wrongful death, product liability, and elder abuse. These legal actions not only seek compensation for the victims’ families but also serve as a crucial deterrent against future negligence.

The recall of Medline’s Bed Assist Bars is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in the products we often take for granted. At Levin & Perconti, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the utmost care and legal representation needed to navigate the complexities of elder law and personal injury claims. Contact us today for more information about how Levin & Perconti can help you.