Rosalind Walker, an 80-year-old woman from Godfrey, Illinois, died on April 3, 2023, after suffering injuries caused by a malfunctioning Sleep Number bed that “lowered itself without warning.” The tragic incident occurred on March 1, 2023, when Walker became trapped between the bed and the wall of her bedroom.
The Incident
On the evening of March 1, Walker’s Sleep Number bed reportedly descended unexpectedly, pinning her against the wall. Emergency responders managed to free her two days later, on March 3, after being alerted to the situation.
Following the rescue, Walker was taken to the hospital for treatment and then moved to a rehabilitation center. Later, she returned home under hospice care, where she passed away on April 3. According to her daughter, Angela Moan, Walker endured significant suffering during this time.
Lawsuit Filed Against Sleep Number
Angela Moan has filed a lawsuit against Sleep Number, alleging that the company’s design and lack of proper safety features directly contributed to her mother’s death. The lawsuit seeks compensation for Walker’s suffering, injuries, and medical expenses exceeding $25,000.
The lawsuit claims that the Sleep Number bed:
- Lacked adequate instructions or cautionary warnings to alert users about the risk of becoming trapped between the bed and the wall.
- Did not have an audible warning system to alert users when the bed was lowering.
- Failed to include an emergency release mechanism to allow trapped individuals to free themselves.
Sleep Number has not commented on the pending litigation.
Similar Incident Sparks Controversy
In January 2023, Sleep Number faced another public relations controversy when an 85-year-old customer, Helen Dewberry, was escorted out of a Dayton, Ohio, store by police. Dewberry had visited the store to speak in person about a delivery issue but was reportedly told to call customer service instead. When she refused to leave the store, the manager called law enforcement.
Sleep Number later issued a public apology to Dewberry, stating that they were addressing the matter internally.
A Call for Accountability
The lawsuit brought by Walker’s daughter underscores growing concerns about the safety and customer service practices of companies like Sleep Number. Moan hopes the case will prompt changes to ensure such accidents do not happen to others.
“My mother suffered immensely because of this bed,” Moan said in the lawsuit. “This could have been prevented with better design and safety features.”
Sleep Number’s Silence
While Sleep Number has yet to comment on the lawsuit, the case raises questions about whether more stringent safety measures and user guidelines should be implemented for adjustable beds.
The Walker family continues to grieve their loss and push for accountability, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.