Raizner Slania LLP has filed a 3M Bair Hugger claim on behalf of a New York couple after the husband obtained a severe infection from the device. The couple alleges that manufacturers 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare failed to adequately warn them of the infection risk associated with the device.
In December 2015, the plaintiff underwent surgery in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used throughout the scope of his procedure. The Bair Hugger was used to help regulate the patient’s body temperature during surgery, which can help reduce bleeding risks and shorten hospital stays. However, the design of the Bair Hugger allows for contaminants in the operating room air to be introduced into open surgical wounds.
As a result of the Bair Hugger being used during his surgery, contaminants were introduced into the plaintiff’s open surgical wounds causing him to develop a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Plaintiff’s gram stain showed elevated white blood cells, indicating infection, along with elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. The plaintiff required additional surgeries to treat the infection, and according to the operative report from one of his subsequent procedures, he had pus buildup from his infection.
As a result of the plaintiff’s infection caused by the Bair Hugger, he has undergone extensive medical treatment, including an irrigation and debridement with near complete synovectomy, femoral head and acetabular polyethylene exchange, and PICC line antibiotics, among other treatments.
Not only did the plaintiff suffer physically from the infection caused by the Bair Hugger, but he and his wife also suffered economically, with the cost of additional medical treatment. The couple believes the Bair Hugger device is defective in both its design and manufacture. The couple alleges 3M and Arizant have committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under New York state law.
Get Help With Your 3M Bair Hugger Claim
If you underwent a joint surgery within the last five years and suffered an infection, you may be able to file a claim. The experienced trial attorneys at Raizner Slania LLP can analyze the facts of your situation and help you understand your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.