Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Permobil improperly restricts owners and independent repair providers from diagnosing, programming, repairing, or restoring powered wheelchairs by limiting access to proprietary service software, firmware, electronic configuration tools, and replacement components.
What Consumers Report
Wheelchair users and repair professionals report:
- Being unable to make programming changes without an authorized provider.
- Waiting extended periods for Permobil approved technicians.
- Having replacement electronic components that require proprietary pairing or configuration.
- Being unable to access complete diagnostic information.
- Paying high service charges for software-based adjustments or resets.
- Losing use of essential mobility equipment during repair delays.
- Being unable to obtain timely parts or service through independent providers.
- Experiencing disruptions to employment, education, healthcare, and daily living.
Why Consumers Should Be Concerned
Powered wheelchairs are highly individualized devices that may be configured for a user’s posture, mobility, pressure relief, and medical needs. When proprietary software or dealer authorization is required to complete repairs, users may be left without a functioning chair even after the defective physical component has been identified.
Repair restrictions may be especially harmful where authorized technicians are scarce. Delays can lead to falls, pressure injuries, missed medical appointments, lost income, and loss of independence.
Potential Claims May Include
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices
- Consumer protection violations
- State right-to-repair statute violations
- Failure to disclose repair limitations
- Breach of express warranty
- Breach of implied warranty
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act violations
- Unlawful repair-market restrictions
- Monopolization or attempted monopolization
- Disability-rights claims where appropriate
Signs You May Be Affected
You may be affected if:
- You use a Permobil powered wheelchair.
- Your chair required proprietary programming or configuration.
- An independent repair provider could not complete the repair.
- You waited weeks or months for authorized service.
- You paid unreimbursed repair, transportation, rental, or caregiver expenses.
- Your wheelchair remained unusable despite a replacement part being available.
- Repair delays interfered with work, school, medical care, or daily activities.
If you have encountered these issues, we would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call at (202) 470-3520.