Signature Hardware is recalling about 7,200 wall-mounted wooden shower seats, which could potentially corrode, posing fall and laceration hazards. According to a news alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), consumers are urged to stop using these recalled shower seats right away and contact Signature Hardware right away to receive a full refund. The aluminum hardware supporting the shower seat can corrode posing a significant hazard.
The recalled products are wall-mounted folding shower seats made of teak wood slats joined together by support rods that extend from two wall mounting brackets. The recalled shower seats have brushed nickel, chrome or oil-rubbed bronze finishes on the support rods and bracket covers. The seats measure 16 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep with a width of 11.75 inches between the centers of the wall mounting brackets.
Reports of Falls and Injuries
So far, Signature has received 194 reports of the shower seats breaking including 37 reports of falls without injuries and 23 reports of injuries. Some of the injuries include scrapes and bruises. There were three reports of lacerations for which consumers received stitches. There was also one report of lumbar fractures.
The recalled products, which were manufactured in China, were sold online and over the phone at signaturehardware.com between January 2011 and July 2018 and by Barclay Products Ltd. through its showroom in Gurnee, Illinois between October 2013 and June 2017 for between $150 and $160.
Older Adults and Falls
Shower seats are mostly used by older adults who are unable to stand up due to a disability or are too frail. When these types of products fail, older adults are at an increased risk of serious injury or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. More than 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to fall-related injuries, often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Also, each year, about 300,000 seniors are hospitalized for hip fractures.
Product Liability Issues
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dangerous, defective or recalled product, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the negligent manufacturer for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization costs, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities and pain and suffering. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
