Hospital beds are used in Orange County, California hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, as well as in many private home care situations. According to the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, some 2.5 million hospital beds are used in this country. A hospital bed is one that meets certain requirements that make it a medical device.
The Food and Drug Administration is now reporting that between 1985 - 2009, there have been at least 803 reported incidents in the US of patients getting entangled, caught, trapped, or strangled in these beds. These injury accidents have resulted in 138 injuries and 480 deaths. In 185 incidents, hospital workers were able to prevent patient injuries. The majority of patients involved in hospital bed accidents are older people and/or those who are frail or confused.
According to FDA nurse-consultant Joan Ferlo, hospitals should check the hospital's beds to make sure they don't pose an injury hazard. The mattress any grab bar or rail that comes with the bed should be examined to make sure that they aren't entrapment hazard. Possible entrapment zones involving hospital beds:
• Between the mattress and rail
• Beneath the rail
• Between split bed rails
• Between the foot or headboard and a rail end
• Between the mattress end and the foot or headboard
Hospital beds can also present a possible fire hazard if there is damage to the bed's power cord, the bed's motor overheat, there is an electrical short, clothing or sheets are placed too close to power sources, or dust clogs up the motor. The patient can sustain serious and painful burn injuries as a result.
Product manufacturers must make sure that their products are designed in a way that won't cause injury or death to consumers. Failure to fulfill this responsibility can lead to a California products liability or wrongful death lawsuit. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities must make sure there are no hazardous conditions on the property that can cause injury or death. Otherwise, they can be held liable for California medical malpractice, premises liability, or wrongful death claims.
Practice Hospital Bed Safety, FDA
Related Web Resources:
Untie the Elderly
Hospitals in California, Yellow Pages
Contact our Orange County, California personal injury lawyers and ask for your free consultation.
