Many people do not realize the risk(s) of certain motorized wheelchairs and motorized hospital beds.
I have successfully handled cases involving clients that were severely burned and killed as a result of a faulty motorized wheelchair catching fire. In many cases, large companies are responsible for the faulty manufacture and design of these life threatening wheelchairs and
beds. A simple Google search will turn up dozens of articles of recent fires involving
faulty motorized wheelchairs and/or beds.
In fact, certain manufacturers, such as Invacare Corp., have been sanctioned and monitored by the FDA as a result of continued quality problems in their motorized wheelchairs or beds and
their failure to properly report and/or document user complaints. Since 2012, the FDA has identified concerns and corrective measures for Invacare to put into place to make their products safer. However, a recent report from the FDA indicates that Invacare has not implemented the corrective measures and continues to ignore the safety of the people buying their products. In short, Invacare’s wheelchairs are still at risk for catching fire and hurting people.
Defects in these products can range from joystick controls, controllers, battery chargers, cable positioning, combustible components, etc.
If you, a friend, or a loved one experienced a situation involving a motorized wheelchair or bed fire, contact me to discuss your options.