A grieving Illinois family has filed a lawsuit against Sleep Number and its manufacturer, Leggett & Platt, Inc., alleging negligence after an 80-year-old woman’s tragic death following a bed malfunction.

Rosalind “Roz” Walker, known for her vibrant spirit and love of family, purchased a Sleep Number bed in 2014. Nine years later, a tragic incident unfolded in her Godfrey, Illinois home. On March 1, 2023, Walker adjusted the bed’s headrest to a raised position.

While walking between the bed and the wall, the bed’s mechanism unexpectedly lowered, trapping her for an excruciating 48 hours, according to court documents.

First responders arrived on March 3 to free Walker, who was then hospitalized with severe injuries. Despite medical care and rehabilitation efforts, Walker’s condition deteriorated. She passed away on April 3, 2023, after being placed in hospice care.

Angela Moan, Walker’s daughter, filed the lawsuit on December 10, 2024, in St. Louis County, where the bed was originally purchased. The lawsuit alleges the bed’s design lacked crucial safety features and adequate warnings, creating a “defective product” that contributed to Walker’s death.

“My mother suffered unimaginable pain during those two days,” Moan said in a statement. “This lawsuit isn’t just about compensation; it’s about ensuring no one else experiences such a preventable tragedy.”

The suit claims that the bed’s timer-operated mechanism lacked an audible warning or manual override, which could have allowed Walker to escape. Furthermore, it highlights the absence of clear instructions warning users against walking between the bed and the wall.

Moan is seeking compensation for her mother’s suffering, medical bills, and the breach of the bed’s 25-year warranty. The total damages requested include $25,000 for the alleged warranty breach. The family’s legal team has demanded a jury trial.

In a statement to KMOV, Sleep Number expressed condolences to Walker’s family but stood by the safety of its products.

“We are aware of the recent lawsuit filed against Sleep Number and Leggett & Platt. The incident is alleged to have occurred in March 2023, and we were informed of this after the lawsuit was filed on December 10,” the statement read. “We extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Walker’s family for their tragic loss. Our legal team is reviewing the claims, and we remain confident in the design and safety of our adjustable beds.”

The manufacturer, Leggett & Platt, has not yet issued a separate statement.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of robust safety mechanisms in adjustable furniture. “Manufacturers must prioritize user safety in every design,” said Maryanne Holt, a consumer safety advocate. “Features like audible warnings and manual overrides should be standard in all motorized beds.”

For Moan, the lawsuit represents a push for accountability. “My mom’s life shouldn’t have ended this way,” she said. “If this case can bring attention to product safety, then her suffering won’t be in vain.”

This case sheds light on the critical need for improved safety measures in household products, particularly those marketed to elderly or vulnerable individuals. With the lawsuit now underway, it remains to be seen how Sleep Number and its manufacturer will address these grave allegations.