Case Results
Elderly Woman Dies After Becoming Trapped in Bed Rail: A Case for Product Safety Reform
Brand Name
Medline
Manufacturer
Medline Industries, Inc.
Model Name
Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket
Product Description
Medline Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket, and Height Adjustable Bed
Case Details
On October 22, 2020, an 89-year-old woman tragically lost her life after becoming trapped in a Medline Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket, purchased from Amazon in 2019. According to the report, the elderly woman’s entire right arm became wedged between the bed rail and the mattress, causing her to fall to her knees. She was later found deceased with her face pressed into blankets at the side of the mattress, unable to free herself. Her arm was trapped up to her shoulder, preventing movement or escape.
This devastating accident highlights the hidden dangers of bed rails, which are marketed as safety aids but, in some cases, pose serious entrapment and suffocation risks.
Injury Brief
Bed rails are commonly used to assist seniors with mobility and prevent falls, but poor design or improper installation can lead to fatal entrapment. Key dangers include:
- Gaps between the rail and mattress, which can trap a person’s arm, leg, or head.
- Suffocation risks, particularly for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals who cannot free themselves.
- Lack of safety testing and regulation for bed rail designs.
Tragically, incidents like this are not isolated. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), bed rail entrapments have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries among elderly individuals.
Retailers
The Medline Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket has been available through several major online retailers, including:
If you purchased this product from any of these retailers, check for safety warnings and discontinue use immediately if you believe it poses a risk.
Liability
Manufacturers of bed rails and other medical assistive devices have a legal duty to ensure that their products meet safety standards and do not pose undue risks to consumers. Companies like Medline Industries, Inc., which produced the Medline Bed Assist Bar, must:
✅ Design products that prevent entrapment and suffocation risks.
✅ Issue proper warnings and safety instructions for users and caregivers.
✅ Conduct thorough safety testing before selling medical assistive devices.
Failure to uphold these responsibilities can result in tragic and preventable deaths, like the one in this case.
Farzan Law
A Quality Over Quantity Law Firm
Dedicated to providing personalized, results-driven legal representation. At Farzan Law, we prioritize justice, integrity, and client-focused advocacy—because making life fair is our mission.
We specialize in handling cases involving:
TOP RATED ATTORNEY ALEX FARZAN ON YOUR SIDE
Contact Us Today
Los Angeles Office
10940 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 2010 Los Angeles, CA 90024
STAY CONNECTED :