What is the name of your state? OK
I have been using a powered wheelchair for 4 years. In that time I have had two of the same model (I purchased on my own without the use of health insurance) fail with the wheels shearing off of the frame four separate times. This time we have identified a very significant design or manufacturing issue since the failure was far more severe then those in the past. This chair comes in several models of varying sizes including one larger than mine with a weight limit of 600lbs (mine in significantly less).
Fortunately, mine failed while inside the house so I was able to keep from falling onto the floor and so have not been injured Had it failed when I was using the ramp to exit my house I would likely been seriously injured since I would have been unable to stabilize myself on the incline and would likely have been on the concrete with a nearly 200 lb wheelchair in my back.
I immediately reported the problem to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but that was before I knew of the specifics of the failure. From an engineering design point of view, I believe it can be established that if the product was manufactured as designed, the design is flawed or if the product was not manufactured as design, that the company is also libel for damages. What else can I or should I do to get this product out of the hands of other disabled individuals and my over $5,000 back. I am driving the Pinto of wheelchairs.
I cannot give up the chair until I obtain a new one; this time I will be going through Medicare so it is quite a wait for an evaluation and approval.
I have been using a powered wheelchair for 4 years. In that time I have had two of the same model (I purchased on my own without the use of health insurance) fail with the wheels shearing off of the frame four separate times. This time we have identified a very significant design or manufacturing issue since the failure was far more severe then those in the past. This chair comes in several models of varying sizes including one larger than mine with a weight limit of 600lbs (mine in significantly less).
Fortunately, mine failed while inside the house so I was able to keep from falling onto the floor and so have not been injured Had it failed when I was using the ramp to exit my house I would likely been seriously injured since I would have been unable to stabilize myself on the incline and would likely have been on the concrete with a nearly 200 lb wheelchair in my back.
I immediately reported the problem to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but that was before I knew of the specifics of the failure. From an engineering design point of view, I believe it can be established that if the product was manufactured as designed, the design is flawed or if the product was not manufactured as design, that the company is also libel for damages. What else can I or should I do to get this product out of the hands of other disabled individuals and my over $5,000 back. I am driving the Pinto of wheelchairs.
I cannot give up the chair until I obtain a new one; this time I will be going through Medicare so it is quite a wait for an evaluation and approval.