The Hidden Dangers of Bed Rails in Nursing Homes
Most people associate nursing home negligence with bed sores or overmedication. However, a new study by the Federal Consumer Safety Commission is looking into deaths caused by bed rails. Bed rails, the same products that are designed to keep the elderly from rolling out of bed, are actually causing death or serious injury to people who become trapped or entangled in them.
Last year, 27 older adults died from becoming entrapped in bed rails. Approximately 4,000 are treated annually in emergency rooms for bed rail injuries. Unfortunately, these numbers only reflect the reported bed rail injuries- the F.D.A. acknowledges that the data is likely understated.
Tragically, most of these deaths are 100% preventable. The federal government and the medical device industry have known of the risks of bed rails for over a decade. As early as 1995, the Food and Drug Administration issued consumer safety warnings, but declined to impose any required standards on manufacturers because of how costly compliance with the standards would be. Manufacturers even successfully resisted requirements that they attach warning labels to bed rails, again citing a negative financial impact. Sadly, the F.D.A. agreed and the safety of America’s elderly was compromised to maximize the profits of the medical device industry.
Hopefully the new study by the F.C.S.C. will lead to the implementation of better designed bed rails with features such as safety straps. Until then, families of the elderly need to be aware of the dangers posed by these seemingly innocuous medical devices. One preventative measure is to ensure that the bed rails, mattress, and bed frame are all produced by the same manufacturer. The conformity helps reduce the risk of mattress shifting commonly associated with bed rail injuries.
If you are concerned that your elderly loved one may have been injured by bed rails, please contact the experienced attorneys at Bailey & Greer for legal advice. There is no excuse for this absolutely preventable injury.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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