An 80-year-old woman died a month after her Sleep Number bed suddenly moved without warning last year, trapping her against the wall for two days, a new lawsuit claims.
According to the complaint filed Tuesday, Rosalind Walker said on March 1, 2023, her Sleep Number bed, which had an adjustable base in a raised position, “lowered down without warning” and caused damage to the bed and bedroom wall. It is said that he was trapped between them. by her daughter, Angela Moan;
The bed suddenly “dropped down with such force,” that Walker became stuck and unable to free himself, according to the complaint.
She remained trapped in that position in the bedroom of her home in Godfrey, Illinois, until March 3, 2023, when she was eventually freed by first responders.
After being taken to the hospital, she was transferred to a rehabilitation center and then taken home on hospice, according to the filing.
“She continued to suffer until her death on April 3, 2023,” the petition states.
Ms. Moan filed a wrongful death lawsuit in St. Louis County Court in Missouri against Sleep Number Corporation and Leggett & Pratt, Inc., which designed, manufactured, marketed, distributed and warranted the bed. .
Mr. Walker purchased Sleep Number Bed on October 19, 2014 in Brentwood, Missouri. This bed came with a 25 year warranty. The bed was later delivered to Mr Walker’s home in Godfrey.
According to the complaint, the defendants sold the beds without proper instructions or warnings that a person could become trapped between the bed and the wall, and that the beds were lowered. The lawsuit alleges that the company breached its duty by failing to provide an audible alarm system to warn of a falling bed. “With the right release mechanism, Walker could free himself.”
“Sleep Number Corporation is strictly liable for Mrs. Walker’s injuries, suffering, and death,” the complaint states. “The Sleep Number Bed was defective and unreasonably dangerous in its design and lack of warning.”
Mr. Moan is suing Sleep Number and Leggett & Platt Inc., alleging negligence, wrongful death, strict liability, and breach of warranty. The lawsuit seeks compensation for Walker’s death, suffering, injuries, related medical expenses and “loss to the mother’s society.”
They are seeking damages in excess of the jurisdictional amount of $25,000.
Leggett & Platt Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
Sleep Number said Thursday that it is aware of the lawsuit filed against it and Leggett & Platt Co., the manufacturer of adjustable bases.
“We understand that this incident allegedly occurred in March 2023. We were notified of the alleged incident this week after the lawsuit was filed on December 10th. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Walker’s family on his tragic death.” “Our legal team is currently reviewing the lawsuit. Sleep Number stands by the design and safety of its products and will respond to any necessary inquiries or actions.”
Moan’s attorney, Ted Gianaris, told NBC News on Thursday that just as elevators have sensors that keep the closing force low to prevent injury, bed manufacturers also have sensors that keep the closing force low to prevent injuries. He said a better system needed to be put in place.
“By design, this bed has an automatic lowering timer, but no warnings, sensors or release functions,” he said.
“This is a tragic loss of a completely independent and vibrant woman. Mrs. Walker was trapped for two days and then died. “Don’t use something as common as an adjustable bed as a trap. “We look forward to hearing from companies about why they didn’t sell safer beds.”
