An Illinois woman is suing Sleep Number, the company known for its adjustable beds, after her elderly mother suffered severe injuries when her bed malfunctioned and left her trapped. Tragically, the woman passed away a month later from complications related to her injuries.
Rosalind “Roz” Walker, an 80-year-old from Godfrey, Illinois, had owned her Sleep Number bed since 2014. On March 1, 2023, she had the head of the bed in a raised position. According to a lawsuit filed by her daughter, Angela Moan, the bed suddenly lowered without warning while Walker was walking between the bed and the wall behind it. She became trapped in the tight space for two days before being found and rescued.
First responders freed Walker on March 3, 2023. She was rushed to the hospital, treated for injuries, and later transferred to a rehabilitation center. However, her health declined, and she was moved to hospice care at home, where she passed away on April 3, 2023. The lawsuit states that Walker endured significant pain and suffering in the time leading up to her death.
Angela Moan filed the lawsuit on December 10, 2023, in St. Louis County, where the bed had originally been purchased. The lawsuit claims the bed’s manufacturer, Leggett & Platt, Inc., along with Sleep Number, failed to provide proper safety instructions or warnings about the risks of becoming trapped between the bed and the wall. It also alleges that the bed lacked important safety features, such as an audible alert or a manual override, that could have helped Walker free herself.
Moan is seeking compensation for her mother’s suffering, medical expenses, and $25,000 for what she says was a breach of the bed’s 25-year warranty. She’s also asking for a jury trial to determine the case.
In a statement, Sleep Number acknowledged the lawsuit and expressed condolences to the Walker family. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Walker for their tragic loss,” the company said. Sleep Number also noted that they had not been informed of the incident until the lawsuit was filed. They added that their legal team is now reviewing the case and emphasized their confidence in the design and safety of their products.
This heartbreaking story sheds light on potential risks with adjustable beds and raises important questions about product safety standards. The case will now move forward in court, where a jury will ultimately decide the outcome.
