Raizner Slania has filed a Bair Hugger staph infection lawsuit against 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare on behalf of a Georgia couple after the husband suffered a severe infection from the device. The couple alleges 3M and Arizant failed to warn them that their Bair Hugger warming blanket presents a serious increased risk of infections for patients.
In July 2012, the plaintiff underwent surgery in which the Bair Hugger was used during the course and scope of his right total knee revision surgery. As a direct result of using the Bair Hugger device, contaminants were introduced into the plaintiff’s open surgical wound. These contaminants caused him to develop a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), also known as a deep joint infection (DJI). The pathogens identified were staphylococcus aureus and gram positive cocci.
Staphylococcus aureus or S. aureus is a rod-shaped bacterium commonly present on the skin or in the nose. However, when this bacterium travels into the body via open wounds, it can cause severe and life-threatening complications. If left untreated, S. aureus can cause pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, and blood poisoning, among other severe medical complications.
Infections on artificial joints can be extremely difficult to treat. While the presence of bacteria usually triggers the body’s immune system response, the immune system cannot detect bacteria present on an artificial joint.
As a result of the infection caused by the Bair Hugger, the plaintiff was forced to undergo extensive medical treatment including irrigation and debridement with hardware exchange, aspiration, and long-term antibiotics.
The Georgia couple believes 3M and Arizant were grossly negligent by failing to warn patients and doctors of the infection risk associated with the Bair Hugger and that the device is defective in its design and manufacture. Finally, the couple also asserts the companies committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Georgia state law.
Raizner Slania: Bair Hugger Staph Infection Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or someone you love suffered an infection after a joint repair or replacement surgery within the last five years, you may be eligible to file a claim. The experienced medical device lawyers at Raizner Slania can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
