• 02
  • September
    2011

An Oregon, Illinois woman was left injured and dissatisfied by her new $12,000 walk-in tub "designed to the Highest Standards ensuring your Safety, Comfort and Independence," according to the website of Premier Bath, the tub's manufacturer. During only her second use of the tub, she fell and became wedged for 30 hours in a tub partially filled with water.

When she realized she'd be unable to get out, she shut off the faucet filling the tub and attempted to pull the drain to empty it completely. But, the chain on the drain stopper broke, leaving her stuck in the bathwater until she was rescued by her daughter 30 hours later. She was in shock, unconscious and had suffered significant skin injuries by that time. Because of the faulty drain mechanism, she spent four days in the hospital and three months in a nursing home recovering from her injuries.

Standing up for Injured People Throughout the Chicago Area

Fighting back against Premier Bath, the maker of the tub, for the injuries caused by the defective drain mechanism, the Chicago products liability attorneys at Clancy Law Offices filed suit on the injured woman's behalf. As stated in the lawsuit filing, "The failure and/or malfunction of the drain," directly caused her injuries.

The lawsuit requests damages in excess of $50,000 for negligence, liability for a defective product and breach of warranty from Premier Baths, Inc.

A Not-So-Perfect Solution for Bathers

Premier Bath, Inc., via its website, claims its walk-in tubs are ideal for those "with Limited Mobility, Seniors, Handicapped and people suffering from Pain, Arthritis, Stress and other debilitating conditions." Several of its models promise to be the "perfect solution" for bathers. Unfortunately for the Oregon, Illinois woman injured by the Sanctuary walk-in tub, Premier Bath was not so perfect.

The Sanctuary model is the most popular line of Premier's walk-in tubs. "The safety of the Sanctuary gives you the confidence and independence to enjoy bathing again," according to the Premier's description on its website. The lawsuit challenges these broken safety promises and seeks to protect others from unnecessary injuries caused by the same drain-related problem experienced by this victim.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times, "Woman stuck in bathtub for over 30 hours, lawsuit charges"