Raizner Slania filed a 3M Bair Hugger lawsuit on behalf of a Michigan couple after the wife suffered a severe infection from the device. The couple believes manufacturers 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare were negligent in failing to warn them of the dangers associated with the device.
In December 2014, the plaintiff underwent a left total knee replacement surgery in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used throughout the scope of the procedure. As a direct result of using the Bair Hugger, contaminants were introduced into her open surgical wound, causing her to develop a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The pathogen was identified as streptococcus bovis.
Streptococcus bovis, or S. bovis, is a gram-positive bacteria associated with endocarditis, or the inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, and colorectal cancer. As a result of the infection, the plaintiff was forced to undergo multiple irrigation and debridements with hardware exchanges, aspirations, wound vac application, PICC line antibiotics, and long-term antibiotics.
Not only has the plaintiff suffered physically, but she has also suffered economically, due to extensive medical bills. The plaintiff’s husband suffered from a loss of services and a loss of consortium as a result of his wife’s Bair Hugger infection.
The Michigan couple believes the Bair Hugger is defective in design and manufacture and that the manufacturers committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Michigan law by selling the devices.
What Is The Bair Hugger?
The Bair Hugger is a heating blanket used to regulate body temperature during surgery. The device contains a pump that pushes air through a blanket draped over the patient, dispersing the pumped air over the patient through tiny holes in the blanket. Unfortunately for patients, it is now believed the pump system can suck in airborne contaminants, push them over the patient’s body, and force them into open surgical wounds, causing infections.
Raizner Slania: 3M Bair Hugger Lawsuit Attorneys
If you underwent a hip or knee joint replacement surgery within the last five years and suffered a post-surgical infection, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries. Call the experienced 3M Bair Hugger lawsuit Attorneys at Raizner Slania today to learn your legal options and protect your rights.
