Sunrise Medical Wheelchair Lawsuit
Welcome to www.wheelchairinjurylawyer.com, your dedicated resource for legal assistance if you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to defects in Sunrise Medical wheelchairs, scooters or power chairs. Sunrise Medical, a prominent manufacturer of mobility products, has faced numerous recalls and lawsuits over the years due to product defects that have led to serious injuries. This page will discuss known lawsuits, their locations, types of injury claims, and the significant number of recalls issued for defects or problems with Sunrise wheelchairs.
Overview of Sunrise Medical
Sunrise Medical is a well-known manufacturer specializing in wheelchairs and related products. Based in California, Sunrise has grown significantly, providing a range of products that claim to offer freedom and improved quality of life. Despite their popularity, Sunrise has encountered various legal challenges due to safety concerns and alleged product defects.
Known Lawsuits Involving Sunrise Medical
Successful lawsuits in which our attorneys have been lead counsel against Sunrise Medical have alleged product liability claims, negligence, and breach of warranty. These include:
Design and Installation Errors: Sunrise Medical was the defendant in a lawsuit in California arising from allegations of improper product design, improper material specifications and faulty installation of wheelchair components. In this case the user Toby Morin was severely injured. The case involved a user of a Quickie Q7 wheelchair whose backrest bracket components were required replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement parts were incorrect leading to a long bolt being installed inward toward the user. The bolt punctured him causing a massive wound. Then, after sling seat fasteners failed and caused the user to fall through the seat bottom, the wound was aggravated further. The wound remained open for years, causing the user immeasurable pain and suffering. The case went to a jury trial in California, where Sunrise Medical continued to refuse responsibility for the user’s devastating injury. After hearing all the evidence, the jury found that Sunrise Medical’s Quickie Q7 was defective and caused the user’s serious injuries. The jury awarded the user $9,800,000. This is believed that Toby Morin’s case to be the largest reported jury award arising from a wheelchair defect in the nation.
Falls: Sunrise Medical has been the defendant in a lawsuit in California arising from allegations of defective brakes/wheel locks. In that case, our client Veronica L. fell while transferring, resulting in life-altering injuries. The lawsuit focused on the allegations that the wheel locks were defectively positioned by the manufacturer and/or dealer, which rendered them dangerous and ineffective. The lawsuit alleged the faulty wheel locks failed to secure the chair during a transfer, resulting in serious injury to the user.
Material Failures: Sunrise Medical has been the defendant in a lawsuit in Ohio arising from a recalled Quickie wheelchair. In that case, the user fall backward striking his head and sustaining severe injuries. The fall occurred after the backrest bracket on his Sunrise Medical wheelchair broke, causing an unexpected loss of back support. The backrest bracket at issue in the case was the subject of a recall by Sunrise Medical, after dozens of reported fractures of Quickie backrest brackets were brought to the attention of Sunrise Medical and regulatory authorities.
Legal Rights and Options for Affected Users
If you have been affected by a defective Sunrise Medical manual wheelchair, power chair or scooter, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Document the Issue
Keep detailed records of the defect and any incidents or injuries that occurred as a result. Take photographs and videos of the defective product and your injuries.
2. Preserve the Evidence
Do not attempt to repair or modify the defective wheelchair or scooter. Preserve it in its current condition as evidence for your case.
3. Report the Incident
Notify Sunrise Medical. This can help support your case and ensure that other users are made aware of the issue.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Ensure that you receive appropriate medical care for your injuries. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your treatment.
5. Consult with a Product Liability Lawyer
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in product liability cases. They can evaluate your case, help you gather evidence, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Types of Compensation
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses:
Coverage for past and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost Wages:
Compensation for lost income due to your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering:
Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the manufacturer, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
Let Us Help You
Our attorneys specialize in product liability, and have been lead counsel in 100’s of cases resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars of recovery to our clients. If you or a loved one has been affected by a defective Sunrise Medical product, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. At www.wheelchairinjurylawyer.com, we are dedicated to helping individuals seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need.