Raizner Slania filed a 3M Bair Hugger infection lawsuit on behalf of a Kansas couple after the husband sustained a severe infection from the Bair Hugger warming blanket. The couple alleges manufacturers 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare failed to adequately warn them of the infection risk associated with the device.
The plaintiff underwent a total left knee arthroplasty in November 2015 during which the Bair Hugger blanket was used throughout the scope of his procedure. The Bair Hugger introduced contaminants into his open surgical wounds, causing him to develop a severe periprosthetic joint infection or PJI. The pathogen identified was pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, more commonly referred to as P. aeruginosa, is a rod-shaped bacteria that thrives on moist surfaces, particularly medical equipment. P. aeruginosa is know to be resistant to several types of popular antibiotics normally used to treat infections, making the bacteria extremely difficult to treat. P. aeruginosa can cause potentially life-threatening conditions like inflammation and sepsis. Unfortunately for patients, the high doses of antibiotics required to treat P. aeruginosa can also cause adverse side effects.
As a direct result of the Bair Hugger, the plaintiff was forced to undergo multi-staged removal and revision surgeries, placement and removal of antibiotic spacers, irrigation and debridement, and long-term PICC line antibiotics. The plaintiff suffered additional complications including anemia due to acute blood loss requiring blood transfusions.
The infection caused by the Bair Hugger warming blanket caused the plaintiff to suffer physically, emotionally, and financially, including the costs of extensive medical treatment and lost wages.
The plaintiff alleges 3M and Arizant produced a defective device both in design and manufacture and that the companies committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Kansas law.
3M Bair Hugger Infection Lawsuits
Patients deserve to know all risks associated with medical devices so they can make informed decisions about their health. Patients who underwent hip or knee replacement surgeries in the past five years may have been unknowingly exposed to increased health risks due to the use of the Bair Hugger device. If you or someone you love suffered an infection after a hip or knee replacement surgery, the experienced 3M Bair Hugger infection lawyers at Raizner Slania can help. We can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
