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Permobil Wheelchair Recall – the Max Mobility Permobil SmartDrive Speed Control Dial

  • January 21, 2025
  • Justin
  • No Comments

Max Mobility / Permobil Issues Nationwide Recall of SmartDrive Speed Control Dial Due to the Motor Being Unresponsive to the User

Max Mobility and Permobil issued a wheelchair related recall. A component failure may render the chair inoperable. This may pose serious risks to wheelchair bound people. The FDA notice about the recall is here:

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/max-mobility-permobil-issues-nationwide-recall-smartdrive-speed-control-dial-due-motor-being

SmartDrive’s Speed Control Dial May Pose Serious Risks to Wheelchair Users

The FDA recently announced a nationwide recall of the SmartDrive Speed Control Dial by Max Mobility and Permobil due to reports of serious injuries linked to its motor system. This recall directly impacts many individuals who rely on this device to enhance their mobility.

At Ketterer, Browne, and Associates, LLC, this issue has caught the attention not just of our product liability lawyers, but also our attorneys who handle brain injury, spinal cord injury, and paralysis cases. We serve clients who have become wheelchair bound due to catastrophic injuries from falls, electric shock incidents, trucking accidents, and other causes. We understand how critical devices like the SmartDrive are to maintaining independence and quality of life.

Why Was the SmartDrive Speed Control Dial Recalled?

The design of the SmartDrive Speed Control Dial tries to help manual wheelchair users by adding a motorized boost. This is to help reduce physical strain from manually pushing the chair. 

The FDA recall identifies a motor issue that can cause sudden, unintentional movements. This potentially increases the risk of injury for those using the recalled wheelchair. Many wheelchair users have medical conditions that sudden stops, jerking around, or falls would worsen significantly. Some users are independent and being stuck under a wheelchair or imobile could be catastrophic. 

The  SmartDrive Speed Control Dial recall comes after multiple reports of injuries. The  SmartDrive Speed Control Dial injuries range from minor bruises to severe trauma caused by these unexpected motorized surges.

Permobil advises all users to stop using the Speed Control Dial immediately and to contact them for further instructions. More information is available on the official FDA recall page.

The Impact on Wheelchair Users in Nursing Homes

Our firm litigates and tries nursing home cases. Accordingly, we immediately thought of vulnerable residents in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. 

For individuals living in nursing homes, this recall is particularly alarming. Some residents depend on devices like the SmartDrive for daily mobility. Sudden malfunctions not only endanger their safety, but also hinder their independence. 

Our team has worked extensively with nursing home residents and their families in cases involving defective medical devices, ensuring they receive the compensation and care they deserve. We are here for any person or family this wheelchair recall impacts. 

Legal Rights for Users of the Permobil SmartDrive Speed Control Dial Wheelchair

If a defective SmartDrive Speed Control Dial injured you or a loved one, you may have a right to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe before releasing them to the public. When they fail to meet this obligation, they can be held accountable.If this Permobil recall affects you, contact KBA today, 855-KBA-LAWS (522-5297). 

Connecting the Dots: Other Medical Device Recalls

This recall is one of many instances or a medical device recall. A recall can involve serious consequences. As medical device lawyers, we cover medical device recalls. Here are some recent medical device recalls we have addressed:

Medical device recalls like this Max Mobility SmartDrive Speed Control Dial recall highlight the need for patients to stay abreast of information about products they use. 

Personal Injury Attorney – Our Commitment to Catastrophically Injured Clients

At KBA, we have seen firsthand how life-changing catastrophic injuries can be. Our experience with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis cases informs our deep understanding of the importance of assistive devices like the SmartDrive. From falls to electric shock incidents and trucking accidents, we represent clients whose lives have been altered in an instant. These individuals depend on safe, reliable equipment to regain independence and dignity.

Stay Informed and Protected

To stay updated on recalls and safety alerts, consider subscribing to our blog. If you have questions about the Permobil wheelchair, the SmartDrive recall or other defective medical devices, contact Ketterer, Browne, and Associates, LLC. We are committed to protecting the rights of those unsafe products affect. 

For further details on this recall, visit the ABC27 News coverage here.