The New York Times published an article recently that described a serious problem that has not been handled very well by the authorities – injuries and deaths that have been caused by bedrails.  These incidents are an all too common occurrence in homes, hospitals and nursing homes.  According to the article the bedrails are a cause of death in many cases but are very rarely listed as the cause in the death certificate.

A study conducted between 2003 and 2012 found that approximately 4,000 people, mostly elderly, go to emergency rooms each year due to injuries from faulty bedrails.  Most deaths caused by bedrails would likely be avoidable but these devices currently have no warning labels as congress has not been diligent in adding the necessary regulation to require it.

Another major problem could be the fact that some bed rails don’t match the beds that they are being installed on. This can lead to older patients getting caught between the bars and mattress which could result in serious injury or possibly even death.

If an elder family member suffers an injury in a nursing home due to faulty equipment or any form of neglect you should contact the personal injury attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman immediately.  Visit our website to speak with one of our nursing home neglect experts for an explanation of your loved one’s rights in this matter.