Injuries Involving Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds, and Patient Lifts

It’s not uncommon for illness or injury to result in patients requiring wheelchairs, lifts, or specialized hospital beds. However, most people don’t realize that using these aids can actually result in new injuries. For example, defective wheelchairs can lead to lacerations, head injuries, rotator cuff tears, and even broken bones and spinal cord injuries. Similarly, patient lifts can lead to serious accidents if medical professionals are using the wrong sling or attaching the sling incorrectly.

So, what happens if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence while using a wheelchair, hospital bed, or lift? Read on for information about protecting your physical health and financial security.

Costs Associated With Wheelchair, Bed, and Lift Injuries

When it comes to medical equipment injuries, it’s important to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Patients who wait too long to get help risk developing more serious injuries that can affect their long-term health and mobility. Moreover, treating these types of injuries can be expensive, with many patients requiring physical therapy, massage, and even surgery to repair their conditions. If you’ve suffered a serious injury due to a defective or improperly used piece of medical equipment, it’s important to consider both your long-term and short-term medical needs, including potential future treatments down the line.

Along with increased medical bills, patients may face additional costs after a wheelchair injury. For serious injuries, individuals may need to take time off from work, resulting in lost wages. Additionally, patients who have suffered an accident due to someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.

Who Pays for My Medical Expenses?

If you’re dealing with unexpected medical expenses from an injury involving a wheelchair, hospital bed, or lift, it’s important to know that help is out there. In some cases, a patient’s accident may result from negligence on the part of a medical professional. This is often the case when patients are injured getting into or out of wheelchairs or lifts.

In other cases, the manufacturer of the medical device in question may be liable for malfunctions that occur. Common wheelchair malfunctions include mechanical failures, battery explosions, and design flaws.

Finally, wheelchair users should note that parks and other facilities that rent out chairs for paying customers are responsible for ensuring their products are functioning properly. If you’re injured using a rented wheelchair, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer to learn about your rights.