Raizner Slania has filed a Bair Hugger infection lawsuit against 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare on behalf of a Kentucky couple after the husband suffered a severe infection from the warming blanket.
In January 2015, the plaintiff underwent a right total hip arthroplasty in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used throughout the scope of the procedure. The Bair Hugger introduced contaminants from the operating room into the plaintiff’s open surgical wound. As a result, he developed a deep joint infection from the surgery. The pathogens identified were Streptococcus mitis oralis and streptococcus viridians.
Streptococcus mitis oralis is a type of the common Strep bacteria most often found in the mouth and throat. However, when this bacteria is introduced to other parts of the body, it can be incredibly difficult to treat. This type of joint infection is very rare, and can lead to life-threatening complications like sepsis and endocarditis. Patients being treated for this type of joint infection can experience relapses of the infection and might require amputation to treat the infection.
The plaintiff was forced to undergo extensive medical treatment to fight the infection, including irrigation and debridement with hardware exchange, aspiration, and long-term PICC line antibiotics. As a result of the treatment, he suffered additional complications, such as anemia, urinary tract infection, and postoperative ileus.
The plaintiff has endured not only physical pain and suffering, but also economic loss from the extensive medical treatments needed to fight his infections. The plaintiff believes 3M and Arizant failed to adequately warn him of the infection risk associated with the Bair Hugger and that the device is defective in both design and manufacture. The plaintiff also asserts the companies committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Kentucky law.
Nationwide Bair Hugger Claims
If you or someone you love suffered an infection after hip or knee replacement surgery within the last five years, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Call the experienced defective medical device attorneys at Raizner Slania today to learn more about your legal options. We offer free consultations and you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover financially.
