Abstract: A medical lift-assistance device includes a bracket, a variable assist mechanism, a lifting arm, and a pad sub-assembly. The variable assist mechanism has a strut attached to the bracket and a height-adjustment feature including a lower end, an upper end, and an attachment location between the lower end and the upper end. Here, the distal end of the strut is attached to the height-adjustment feature at the attachment location. The variable assist mechanism also includes a first gear, a first axle, a first rotational axis extending along the first axle, and a first rotational direction. The first gear is rotatably attached to the first axle. The variable assist mechanism also includes a second gear, a second axle, a second rotational axis extending along the second axle, and a second rotational direction. Here, the second gear is rotatably attached to the second axle and engages the first gear.