Raizner Slania filed a Bair Hugger infection lawsuit on behalf of a North Carolina couple after the husband sustained an infection from the Bair Hugger warming blanket used during surgery. The couple believes the manufacturers, 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare, failed to adequately warn patients of the infection risks associated with the device.
In June 2015, the plaintiff underwent a right revision total knee replacement in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used throughout the scope of his procedure to help regulate his body temperature. While regulating a patient’s body temperature during surgery can help reduce bleeding risks and shorten recovery time, the design of the Bair Hugger device introduces contaminants directly into patients’ open surgical wounds and causes them to develop serious infections.
As a result of the Bair Hugger device, the plaintiff developed a deep joint infection (DJI). The pathogens identified were group G streptococcus and staphylococcus epidermis.
Group G streptococcus is a type of the common “Strep” bacteria. However, Group G streptococcus is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious and life-threatening infections. Staphylococcus or “staph” as it is commonly called, is a type of bacteria that causes some of the most common infections. Staph epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is a type of staph infection that creates a biofilm around plastic devices inside the body. This makes S. epidermidis incredibly difficult to treat because the biofilm makes it immune to many types of antibiotics typically used to treat infections.
As a result of the infection caused by the Bair Hugger device, the plaintiff was forced to undergo multi-staged removal and revision arthroplasties, placement of antibiotic spacers, antibiotic therapy, and irrigation and debridement with polyethylene exchange, among other treatments. Not only has the infection caused him extensive physical pain and suffering, but it has also placed a huge financial burden on him in the form of medical bills and lost wages.
The plaintiffs believe the Bair Hugger is defective in design and manufacture. They also allege the manufacturers committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under North Carolina law.
3M Bair Hugger Infection Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or someone you love sustained an infection after a hip or knee joint surgery in the past five years, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. The experienced defective device attorneys at Raizner Slania can review your case and help you understand your legal options. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to review your case.