Wheelchair Liable to Cause Serious Injury

Article by
Kevin Timms

In February 2011 Sunrise Medical Limited (UK) issued a field safety notice relating to their Quickie Neon Swing Away wheelchair. A number of ‘upper frame tubes’ which support the backrest of the wheelchair have failed.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have now issued a Medical Device Alert in respect of these wheelchairs.

The manufacturer has reported that those using this wheel chair may suffer a serious personal injury or death from falling backwards. It is important to note that many users of wheelchairs are very vulnerable.

All of these wheelchairs manufactured between January 2006 and June 2010 with a seat depth of up to 44cm may be affected and you should contact the manufacturer immediately if you think you have one of these wheelchairs or if you believe you have been supplied with one of these wheelchairs by a medical provider.

In addition to product users the following people should be aware of the medical device alert:

• Equipment store managers at medical providers

• Maintenance staff and contractors

• Nursing executive directors

• Occupational therapists

• Physiotherapists

• Rehabilitation engineers

• Risk managers

• Wheelchair and seating service managers

• Community hospitals

If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of a defect in a wheelchair or other product (whether medical or domestic) you may be entitled to compensation by making a product liability claim.

Please contact Kevin Timms in the product liability team at Garden House Solicitors to discuss further on             01992 422 128 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01992 422 128      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       or email him at kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk Tel: 01992 422 128