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Aging often makes everyday activities more difficult, especially for residents in assisted living facilities. For example, your elderly loved one may need a specialized device to help them get in and out of bed and prevent falls. Although these devices may be necessary, improper use can lead to bed rail entrapment in Philadelphia nursing homes.
Lowenthal & Abrams can help you and your family recover compensation if a bed device has harmed a loved one. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney from our firm will work diligently to hold negligent staff or manufacturers accountable.
Understanding the Dangers of Bed Rails
A bed rail device typically consists of metal, plastic, or foam bars that attach to one or both sides of the bed. Elderly patients may use these devices to reposition themselves, get in and out of bed, or access personal items more easily. For some, these devices can offer a sense of security and independence.
However, these devices must fit properly. Otherwise, a resident may become trapped between the mattress and the rail at their Philadelphia nursing home. Entrapment commonly causes asphyxiation, which deprives the lungs of oxygen. This can be fatal within just a few minutes and requires immediate emergency care. Other injuries may include cardiac distress due to panic and damage to the head and neck from being caught under the rail.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Federal nursing home regulations require facilities to maintain an environment that remains as free from accident hazards as possible. Under 42 Code of Federal Regulations § 483.25, nursing homes must provide adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries involving residents. In Philadelphia, assisted living facility staff must monitor residents who rely on these bed devices and quickly respond to entrapment emergencies. After determining whether the resident actually needs the device, employees must ensure proper fit, correct positioning, and secure attachment to the bed.
Unfortunately, many facilities are understaffed due to budget cuts. When nursing homes and administrators prioritize cost savings over resident safety, they may be liable for injuries or deaths.
Additionally, the product manufacturer may share responsibility if a defect makes the device unsafe to use. This often arises when the same model injures multiple residents, indicating a pattern rather than an isolated accident.
It is common for multiple parties to be liable for an injury, but determining each party’s share of responsibility can be complicated. An experienced lawyer can review the facts to identify the negligent parties and file a civil claim seeking damages.
Contact a Philadelphia Attorney About Bedside Rail Entrapment in Nursing Facilities
Bed rail entrapment in Philadelphia nursing homes is preventable through proper care. If staff negligence injured your elderly loved one, speak with a lawyer at Lowenthal & Abrams.
A skilled attorney can discuss your legal options and help you recover compensation. Call today to schedule an initial meeting.
