Liberty Hardware Tub Grip Handle Fall Injury Lawsuit Attorneys

Understanding the Dangers and Your Legal Rights for Compensation

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a recall of over 174,500 tub grip handles sold by Liberty Hardware. The recall affects several popular models sold under the Peerless, Safety First, and Delta brands, which have been linked to potentially dangerous fall hazards. The primary concern is that the plastic grip pads on these tub handles can come loose when used on tubs with tapered side walls, causing the handles to become unstable and creating a serious risk of falls. This recall serves as a critical warning for consumers who rely on these handles for bathroom safety, especially those with limited mobility or at higher risk of injury.

The specific models involved in the recall include Peerless Model PL585, Safety First Models SF585 and S1F585, and Delta Model DF585. These tub grip handles, made of powder-coated aluminum and featuring two gripping surfaces, were sold in white and had a one-inch diameter tube. The product was widely available through major retailers like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Walmart, as well as online platforms such as Amazon and FlyingBulldogs.com. Sold between January 2011 and May 2024, they ranged in price from $16 to $55.

Liberty Hardware is offering a $35 refund to consumers who return the recalled handles. While this may seem like a fair resolution for some, it does not address the potential injuries suffered by individuals who relied on these handles to prevent falls. For many, this recall might have come too late, as falls in the bathroom can result in serious injuries, especially for older adults or individuals with disabilities. This situation raises important questions about legal rights and avenues for seeking compensation for injuries caused by defective products.

How Defective Tub Grip Handles Can Cause Harm

Bathroom safety is a crucial concern for many people, especially the elderly, individuals with physical disabilities, or those recovering from surgery. Tub grip handles are designed to provide extra stability and support, helping users get in and out of the bathtub with greater ease and reducing the risk of falls. However, when these products fail to perform as intended, the consequences can be severe. In this case, the grip pads on the recalled tub handles were found to detach when used on tubs with tapered walls, rendering the handles unreliable and unstable. This defect poses a significant risk of falls, which can result in injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or even death.

For individuals who rely on these handles for support, the sudden failure of the product can be shocking and dangerous. A fall in the bathroom can have long-term consequences, requiring medical treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery. This can lead to mounting medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. In such situations, victims deserve to be compensated for their injuries and the impact on their lives.

Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe for consumers, especially when the product is designed to enhance safety. When a product fails to meet this standard, and injuries occur as a result, the manufacturer can be held accountable through a product liability lawsuit. In the case of Liberty Hardware’s tub grip handles, consumers who have suffered injuries may have a strong basis for legal action.

Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries Caused by Defective Tub Grip Handles

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the failure of a recalled tub grip handle, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. These cases are designed to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for selling products that are defective, dangerous, or fail to perform as promised. In the case of the Liberty Hardware tub grip handles, a lawsuit may claim that the product had a design defect, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings about its proper use.

To pursue a product liability claim, the first step is to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. The attorney will begin by evaluating the details of your situation, including the extent of your injuries, how the handle was used, and any medical treatment received as a result of the fall. They will also gather evidence, such as photographs of the defective handle, medical records, and witness statements, to build a compelling case that links the product’s defect to your injury.

The legal process involves several stages, starting with the filing of a complaint against the responsible parties. Your attorney will work to establish that the product was defective, that the defect caused your injury, and that you suffered damages as a result. This can involve complex legal arguments and the use of expert testimony to demonstrate how the product failed to meet safety standards.

Throughout the lawsuit, your attorney will handle negotiations with the manufacturer’s legal team. In many cases, manufacturers may seek to settle the case out of court to avoid the expense and publicity of a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Damages Recoverable in a Product Liability Lawsuit

Victims injured by defective products like the recalled tub grip handles may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These can include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to treating your injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
• Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living, you might be compensated for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Injuries from a fall can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly reckless or negligent, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial in maximizing the compensation you can recover. They will ensure your case is handled professionally, provide guidance through each step of the legal process, and advocate on your behalf.