Raizner Slania has filed a lawsuit against 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare on behalf of the family of a Louisiana woman who suffered severe complications from an infection caused by the companies’ Bair Hugger Warming System used during surgery. The infection from the defective medical device was so severe, the plaintiff underwent an amputation of her left leg and, tragically, she subsequently passed away as a result of her injuries.
In February 2015, the plaintiff underwent surgery in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used during the procedure. The Bair Hugger introduced contaminants into the plaintiff’s open surgical wound that resulted in a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), also known as a deep joint infection (DJI). The infection was identified as Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE). VRE is an antibiotic resistant infection that is most commonly found in hospitals.
As a direct result of the infection caused by the Bair Hugger warming blanket, the plaintiff underwent multi-staged removal and revision arthroplasties, placement of antibiotic spacers, placement of a wound vac, numerous irrigation and debridement procedures, and antibiotic therapy.
Despite extensive medical treatment, the plaintiff developed a polymicrobial infection that required the amputation of her left leg. Unfortunately, the plaintiff succumbed to the infection and passed away in January 2016.
The severe infection caused the plaintiff extensive pain and suffering and economic loss before ultimately causing her death. Her surviving family members filed the lawsuit on her behalf.
The lawsuit alleges the Bair Hugger device is defective in both design and manufacture, and that 3M and Arizant are in breach of express warranty and committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Louisiana and/or Minnesota law.
Bair Hugger Lawsuits
There are currently almost 700 Bair Hugger federal lawsuits on file against 3M and Arizant in a multidistrict litigation consolidated in Minnesota. Because a majority of hospitals utilize the Bair Hugger warming blanket during surgeries, thousands of Americans have been exposed to an increased risk of infection. Because of the popularity of the Bair Hugger, it is anticipated the number of lawsuits against the company will continue to rise substantially.
Raizner Slania: Bair Hugger Lawyers
If you or someone you love developed an infection after a total hip and/or knee replacement surgery within the last five years, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries. The experienced defective medical device attorneys at Rainzer Slania can analyze your case and help you understand your legal options. Our consultations are free and you don’t owe us anything unless we help you obtain compensation. Call us today to schedule your consultation.
