Cabell woman sues over wheelchair brake failure

CHARLESTON - A Cabell County woman has filed a suit against a medical equipment company after she was injured after her wheelchair was refurbished.

Sandra Rabel filed the suit April 17 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Boll Medical Inc.

According to the suit, Rabel took her Quickie 2 wheelchair to Boll Medical in March 2007, requesting that the wheelchair be refurbished and all worn parts replaced.

Rabel claims the wheelchair was refurbished but the worn tires were not replaced and the brakes were not properly functioning.

According to the suit, Rabel took the wheelchair back to Boll in July 2007 as a result of problems with the brakes. The brakes were adjusted, but the tires were still not replaced.

Rabel claims she was transferred from her wheelchair Feb. 5, 2008, when the brakes failed. Rabel fell to the floor and sustained a fracture to her left femur. According to the suit, Rabel required surgery, from which she developed severe complications. Due to the complications, Rabel required an extended hospitalization.

Charles Rabel claims he was forced to quit his job to provide full-time, in-home care for his wife.

The Rabels seek compensatory damages for their injuries.

Attorney C. Benjamin Salango is representing the Rabels. The case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-750