Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Ottobock improperly restricts users and independent repair professionals from diagnosing, programming, repairing, or servicing powered mobility and rehabilitation equipment through proprietary software, electronic configuration requirements, and limited access to replacement components.
What Consumers Report
Consumers and repair professionals report:
- Being unable to complete repairs without manufacturer-authorized software.
- Replacement electronic components requiring programming or calibration.
- Limited access to complete technical service information.
- Long waits for authorized repair appointments.
- Paying significant fees for adjustments or programming.
- Having few practical alternatives when an authorized provider is unavailable.
- Losing access to essential mobility equipment during repair delays.
- Receiving little advance warning about future repair limitations.
Why Consumers Should Be Concerned
Users of powered mobility equipment often depend on highly specialized devices tailored to their medical and functional needs. A software restriction or unavailable service credential can prevent a qualified technician from restoring equipment that is otherwise physically repairable.
These restrictions may create a captive repair market and expose Ottobock users to extended periods without safe mobility. The resulting harm may include medical complications, lost work, missed appointments, and increased reliance on caregivers.
Potential Claims May Include
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices
- Consumer protection violations
- Right-to-repair statutory claims
- Failure to disclose repair restrictions
- Breach of express warranty
- Breach of implied warranty
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act violations
- Unlawful repair-service tying
- Unjust enrichment
- Disability-rights claims where applicable
Signs You May Be Affected
You may be affected if:
- You use Ottobock powered mobility or rehabilitation equipment.
- Your repair required proprietary software or manufacturer authorization.
- An independent technician could not access necessary programming functions.
- You waited an extended period for authorized service.
- You paid out-of-pocket costs because the equipment remained unusable.
- The repair delay interfered with mobility, medical care, employment, or education.
- You were told that only an authorized provider could complete the repair.
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.