Products Liability Law Reporter

John Mobley, 70, received a Quantum Q6 Edge Stretto power chair purchased from Ocean Home Health, which allegedly delivered, assembled, and adjusted the chair at Mobley’s apartment. Several weeks later, the chair’s right arm rest dropped down and would not return to its proper setting. Mobley subsequently fell out of the chair while he was in the bathroom. He suffered a fractured right hip and an acute kidney injury and underwent hip surgery the following day. He suffered complications, including a change in mental status, cardiac failure, and respiratory failure, and died two days after the surgery. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Mobley’s daughter, on behalf of his estate, sued Ocean Home Health Supply, LLC, alleging claims for strict liability, failure to warn, design defect, and survival. The plaintiff asserted that the chair was dangerous to an extent beyond that which would be contemplated by an ordinary consumer. Suit also claimed that the chair’s defective design created a propensity of the arm rests to fall, creating a risk of injury to users.

The parties settled for more than $218,800.

Citation: Mobley v. Ocean Home Health Supply, LLC, No. 210800927 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Phila. Cnty. Sept. 25, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Anthony Cianfrani, Philadelphia.