Baxter Healthcare Mobile Lift Fall Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuit Lawyers

FDA Class I Recall Warns of Deadly Risk from Q-Link 13 Mobile Lift Attachment Failures

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, the most severe category reserved for dangerous or defective products that can cause serious injury or death, for the Q-Link 13 Mobile Lift Component manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. This device, used in conjunction with various mobile lift systems and sling bar accessories, may fail to securely attach to the Quick-Release Hook, creating a risk of catastrophic patient falls and caregiver injuries.

Baxter has acknowledged three serious injuries and one patient death resulting from this defect. The recall impacts thousands of Q-Link 13 components distributed for use with multiple mobile lifts, including popular models such as the Viking L, Viking XL, Uno 102 EE, and LikoLight systems.

Which Mobile Lifts Are Affected by the Q-Link 13 Recall?

The Q-Link 13 component is used across a wide range of Baxter and Liko-branded mobile lift systems. The following devices and accessories are affected:

• Uno 102 EE Mobile Lift
• Viking L, XL, M, S, and XS Mobile Lifts
• LikoLight Mobile Lift
• LikoScale Adapter Kits (LikoScale 200, 350, 400 Accessories)

These lifts are commonly used to assist patients with limited mobility during transfers from beds, wheelchairs, toilets, bathtubs, and even from the floor. The Q-Link 13 component connects to the sling bars via a Quick-Release Hook. However, this hook can appear to latch securely while in fact remaining improperly attached. This “false latch” can break under the weight of a patient, causing the sling or bar to detach unexpectedly.

For patients, especially those who rely completely on lifting devices for movement, such a failure can cause head trauma, spinal injuries, broken bones, or even death. Caregivers who attempt to intervene during such incidents are also at serious risk of injury.

Details of the Recall: Baxter’s Response and Ongoing Risks

Baxter issued two “Urgent Product Recall” letters notifying users of the Q-Link 13 issue—one on May 30, 2025, to healthcare facilities, and another on June 2, 2025, directed to home care patients. Both letters instructed recipients to immediately locate and stop using all Q-Link 13 components.

Baxter also promised replacements with a redesigned version called Q-Link Mobile, intended to reduce the risk of false latching. However, the recall does not mandate removal of the affected lifts, and availability of replacements may be delayed. In the meantime, patients and caregivers remain vulnerable to the same hazards that have already caused serious injuries and fatalities.

The manufacturer’s additional recommendations included:

• Posting recall notices in all lift storage and use areas.
• Returning the affected units once replacements are available.
• Following distributor-specific instructions for returns, especially if units were purchased through a third party.

Unfortunately, these steps may not be enough to prevent future harm. Product recalls are reactive, and the damage to injured individuals and their families has already occurred.

Legal Accountability and Your Right to File a Claim

When a defective medical device causes injury or death, victims have the right to seek financial compensation and justice. Medical device manufacturers like Baxter have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and reliability of their products before they are distributed for use in vulnerable settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes.

Victims of faulty medical lift components may be eligible to pursue claims for:

• Emergency room and hospitalization expenses
• Long-term rehabilitation or mobility assistance
• Permanent disability or loss of independence
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or caregiver income
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

These legal actions not only help compensate victims but also play a critical role in pressuring manufacturers to prioritize patient safety. Pursuing legal action allows victims to hold Baxter accountable for releasing a dangerous product that could have been avoided with better engineering and quality control.

Who Is Most at Risk and What You Should Do Now

This recall affects a high-risk patient population: those who cannot move without mechanical assistance. Any improper detachment during a transfer could cause sudden, violent falls that patients are unable to protect themselves from. Family caregivers, nurses, and home health aides may also be seriously harmed if they attempt to prevent such a fall.

If you or your loved one used a Baxter or Liko mobile lift and suffered a fall, you should:

• Request medical records indicating the equipment used
• Preserve any physical evidence of the fall, including broken parts or photos
• Document symptoms, injuries, and medical treatment
• Speak with a personal injury attorney experienced in defective medical equipment cases

You may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Early consultation with legal counsel is critical to protecting your rights.

FAQs About Filing a Lawsuit Related to the Baxter Mobile Lift Recall

• Can I sue if I was injured while using a recalled Baxter mobile lift? Yes. If you or a loved one were injured due to a Q-Link 13 component failing to stay latched, and that failure caused a fall or injury, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
• What damages can I recover in a medical device injury lawsuit? Depending on the severity of the injury, you may seek compensation for hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical care, emotional distress, loss of income, and more. If the incident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim.
• How do I know if the lift used in my case included the Q-Link 13 part? Medical records, equipment inventory logs, and statements from medical providers can help determine the model of the lift used. An attorney can assist in gathering this evidence during the investigation process.
• Is there a time limit to file a claim? Yes. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the required time frame.
• Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire a lawyer? Most personal injury law firms, including Parker Waichman LLP, take cases on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if your case is successful.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed due to a defective Baxter Q-Link 13 Mobile Lift Component, contact Parker Waichman LLP today. Our national medical device law firm is investigating claims nationwide and offers free consultations.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to speak with an attorney about your rights and options for financial recovery. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.