Tragedy strikes: 'Smart' bed malfunction leads to fatal accident
80-year-old Rosalind "Roz" Walker bought a "smart" bed, which came with a 25-year warranty. She became trapped between the furniture and the wall and waited for help for two days. Unfortunately, she passed away due to her injuries.
11:17 AM EST, December 12, 2024
Rosalind "Roz" Walker had opted for a luxury product—a "smart" bed with a timer. This built-in clock was responsible for automatically unfolding and folding the furniture. Unfortunately, a tragedy occurred when she became trapped between the wall and the bed. The equipment lacked any additional release lock. Two days later, rescuers gained access to the 80-year-old's home. She was taken to the hospital immediately, but sadly, she passed away due to complications.
"She suffered all the time"
Although help arrived and Rosalind was taken to the hospital, her condition was serious. Following her discharge, she went to a hospice, where she passed away just a month after the bed accident. "She suffered all the time," reported The Kansas City Star.
The deceased's family emphasized that they would not leave this issue unresolved. They contacted the manufacturer of the "smart" bed and filed a lawsuit against the company in court. In the lawsuit, Rosalind's family noted that the furniture did not come with instructions about the risk of getting trapped. The 80-year-old had purchased the bed nine years earlier.
"Sleep Number and the bed’s manufacturer, Leggett & Platt, Inc., 'did not have adequate instructions or cautionary language in the instructions or on the bed, alerting Mrs. Walker not to go between the bed and the wall as she could be trapped," was alleged in the lawsuit, as quoted by Law and Crime.
Rosalind's relatives decided to file the lawsuit only 1.5 years after the accident.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Walker for their tragic loss. Currently, our legal team is reviewing the lawsuit. Sleep Number stands by the design and safety of its products and is complying with any necessary inquiries or actions," Sleep Number emphasized in a conversation with McClatchy News, as as reported by Law and Crime.
