When we get to a certain age, our bones and muscles naturally weaken and atrophy. Elderly individuals have trouble navigating their ways into and out of bed each day, and can even have trouble remaining in bed as they sleep or rest. As a practical solution, bed rails were introduced to facilities that housed the elderly, as well as, the general market for private and public commerce. These rails were intended to protect the elderly from having bedside accidents, like falling out of bed as they sleep, or injuring themselves
as they try to step in and out of bed.

But there is a new buzz among nursing homes, hospitals, and homes about the potential dangers of bed rails. Are bed rails more of a hazard for the elderly, or are they perfectly safe and effective? Continue reading to learn more.

Improper Use or Manufacturing of Safety Rails

Defective products are far and few, but they do happen. In the case that bed rails are manufactured with defects, they cannot perform their intended purpose of protection and assistance. This leads to accidents resulting in cuts, scrapes, lesions, sprains, head injuries, orthopedic injuries, and more. Even when bed rails are in perfect condition, the same consequences can result from improper use of safety rails as well. In the case of improper use, a nursing home or hospital can be liable for a senior citizen’s injuries or wrongful death. In the case of a product defect causing injury or death, the manufacturer can be held legally accountable.

Bed Rail Injuries

It is scary to think there are enough bed rail accidents and injuries to have substantial statistics for them, but it’s true. More than 30,000 bed rail-related accidents were confirmed between the years of 2003 and 2011, and more than one hundred people died. And these were the incidents that were actually reported, as many were not. In 1995, the FDA issued safety warnings for bed rails, yet manufacturers were never legally required to provide safety labels on their devices. Since 2006, the FDA has introduced some proposed guidelines for hospitals and nursing homes to use when it comes to bed rail safety awareness.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If you suspect that an elderly loved one is being neglected or mistreated by their nursing home or residential caregiver, contact a nursing home neglect lawyer right away. You may be entitled to remuneration for your elderly loved ones’ damages or wrongful death. Stop nursing home neglect in its tracks by hiring a reputable attorney to prove your case and recover compensation that’s rightly deserved.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about nursing home neglect claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, has extensive litigation and trial experience. He is happy to discuss your concerns about nursing home neglect, residential care neglect, and more. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 for more information about nursing home neglect lawsuits in Indianapolis, IN.