Mo-Vis R-net Electric Wheelchair Joystick Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

Mo-Vis R-net Joysticks Linked to Sudden Uncontrolled Wheelchair Movement Prompt Urgent Safety Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—its most serious classification—for certain models of Mo-Vis BVBA R-net Joysticks, which are used in powered wheelchairs. The reason: a firmware failure that can cause wheelchairs to move on their own, even when the joystick is in the neutral position.

This malfunction puts vulnerable individuals at serious risk. A person seated in a powered wheelchair relies on complete control over its movement, and any unexpected motion can result in falls, collisions, or tip-overs that cause traumatic injuries. These wheelchairs are frequently used by individuals who already have limited mobility and are more susceptible to harm from even minor accidents.

So far, one injury has been reported, and more may surface as awareness of the issue grows. The FDA’s designation of this recall as Class I means the defect is serious enough to potentially cause death or significant injury. For users and caregivers, this development raises immediate health, safety, and legal concerns.

What the FDA Recall Means for Users of Electric Wheelchairs

A Class I recall is reserved for situations where a product defect is likely to cause serious harm or death. In the case of Mo-Vis R-net Joysticks, the firmware issue causes the joystick to ignore its neutral setting, making it possible for the powered wheelchair to begin moving without input from the user.

This recall applies to specific models of Mo-Vis BVBA R-net Joysticks installed in electric wheelchairs. These joysticks are manufactured for users who need high-precision control due to limited strength or dexterity. Any failure in the device—particularly one involving motion—has life-threatening implications.

For example:

• A wheelchair that begins moving on its own could roll into traffic or down a flight of stairs.
• The user may not be physically able to stop or redirect the wheelchair.
• Sudden motion could eject users from the chair or cause it to tip over.

The risk is especially high in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and sidewalks—places where obstacles and people are close by.

Who Is Affected by the Mo-Vis Joystick Recall

The recall affects individuals who use powered wheelchairs equipped with the Mo-Vis R-net Joysticks. These joysticks are not standalone consumer products. Instead, they are installed during the manufacture or customization of wheelchairs for users who need assistive control.

The impacted population includes:

• Individuals with quadriplegia or advanced muscular dystrophy.
• Elderly persons with mobility impairments.
• Patients in rehabilitation or long-term care.
• Children or adults with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

Users of these wheelchairs often face unique physical vulnerabilities. A fall or collision that would be minor for a healthy adult can result in broken bones, concussions, or internal bleeding for a disabled user.

Family members, home health aides, and nursing staff must now take extra steps to verify if the affected joysticks are in use and ensure the wheelchair is not operated until inspected or replaced.

How the Joystick Defect Creates a Dangerous Condition

The recall focuses on a firmware error—not a mechanical break. This is a digital malfunction within the software that controls how the joystick responds to user input.

Under normal operation:

• When the joystick is in the “neutral” position, the wheelchair should remain still.
• Movement only occurs when the user actively pushes the joystick forward, backward, or side-to-side.

In the recalled units:

• The firmware may fail to recognize the neutral command.
• The wheelchair could begin to move on its own without any manual input.
• This malfunction may be intermittent, making it harder to detect before an incident.

The recall highlights a dangerous problem with digital safety controls in medical mobility equipment. Firmware glitches are particularly dangerous because they can escape notice until a catastrophic event occurs.

FDA Recall of Medline Heart Vent Catheters Adds Additional Concerns

In addition to the joystick recall, the FDA also issued an early alert for Medline convenience kits that contain Medtronic DLP Left Heart Vent Catheters. The concern is that some of the cannula products in specific lots may not hold their shape during use.

This issue affects surgical procedures where the heart is being ventilated. If the catheter fails to hold its shape:

• The heart may not be properly vented.
• Blood flow could be disrupted.
• The risk of complications during cardiac surgery increases.

Medline has already begun notifying affected customers and instructed them to destroy the affected product once specific recall actions are completed. This alert has been issued as a precautionary safety measure, and as of now, no injuries have been reported.

Injuries, Liability, and Product Safety Failures

The FDA has confirmed one injury involving the joystick defect. However, many incidents involving mobility equipment go unreported unless they result in hospitalization. The actual number of affected individuals may be much higher.

People injured by a malfunctioning joystick may suffer:

• Broken bones from falls.
• Lacerations or bruising from tipping over.
• Head trauma if thrown from the chair.
• Secondary injuries from being unable to move after the event.

Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their medical devices meet safety standards. If they release products with known or foreseeable defects, they can be held accountable under product liability law.

Legal Options for Victims of Mobility Device Malfunctions

Those harmed by defective wheelchair components may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor. Legal claims can include:

• Defective design: If the joystick’s firmware was poorly designed or tested.
• Manufacturing defect: If the error occurred during production.
• Failure to warn: If users were not adequately informed of the risks.

A personal injury claim can help victims recover:

• Medical bills and future treatment costs.
• Lost wages or income.
• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of quality of life.
• Compensation for permanent disability.

In cases involving long-term care facilities or hospitals, institutional negligence may also be involved if staff ignored warning signs or continued using recalled devices.

Electric Wheelchair Joystick Recall Lawsuit FAQs

What is being recalled by the FDA?

The FDA has issued a Class I recall for Mo-Vis BVBA R-net Joysticks used in powered wheelchairs due to a firmware issue that causes the joystick to ignore the neutral position, leading to unexpected and dangerous movement.

Why is this recall considered Class I?

A Class I recall is the most serious type issued by the FDA. It is used when there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious injury or death. The joystick defect fits that category due to the possibility of sudden, uncontrolled wheelchair motion.

What injuries could result from this defect?

Injuries may include broken bones, concussions, internal injuries, or worse. A user might fall out of the wheelchair, crash into objects or people, or be unable to stop the wheelchair from entering dangerous areas.

Who is affected by the recall?

Any individual using a powered wheelchair with the Mo-Vis R-net Joystick may be affected. These devices are used by people with limited mobility, including elderly users and individuals with neuromuscular conditions.

Has anyone been injured?

Yes. One injury has already been reported to the FDA. The risk of additional injuries remains high if affected devices continue to be used.

Can I sue if I was injured because of this joystick malfunction?

Yes. If you were harmed due to a malfunctioning Mo-Vis joystick, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or other responsible parties.

What damages can I recover in a lawsuit?

You may be eligible to recover costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. Permanent disability or long-term care needs may also be included in your claim.

Do I need the receipt or packaging?

While original purchase documentation is helpful, it is not required. Medical records, witness testimony, and physical evidence of the malfunction are often enough to support a case.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a defective electric wheelchair joystick or another faulty medical device, you may have the right to seek compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm helping victims of medical device failures across the country.

Our legal team is actively investigating cases involving the FDA’s Class I recall of Mo-Vis R-net Joysticks. We understand how dangerous these devices can be when they malfunction—and we fight to hold manufacturers accountable.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free and confidential consultation. There is no cost to speak with us, and we never charge legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.