Signature Hardware is recalling about 7,200 wall-mounted wooden shower seats, which could potentially corrode, posing fall and laceration hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a news alert advising consumers to stop using these recalled shower seats immediately and contact Signature Hardware immediately to get 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 shower seats breaking, including 37 reports of falls without injuries and 23 reports of injuries. Some of the injuries include scrapes and bruises. Three reports of lacerations for which consumers received stitches were received, and one report of lumbar fractures was also received.
The recalled products, 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
Most older adults who are too frail or unable to stand up due to a disability use shower seats. 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), 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries each year. 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
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured due to a dangerous, defective, or recalled product. In that case, 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.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Signature-Hardware-Recalls-Wall-Mounted-Shower-Seats-Due-to-Fall-and-Laceration-Hazards
