Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Tenneessee man who contracted an infection caused by the Bair Hugger Warming Blanket. The plaintiff alleges the manufacturers, 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare, were grossly negligent in their failure to warn patients and doctors of the infection risk associated with the device.
In October 2013, the plaintiff underwent a total left and right knee replacement surgery in which the Bair Hugger was used throughout the duration of the procedure. The Bair Hugger introduced contaminants into the plaintiff’s open surgical wounds, causing the development of a deep joint infection (DJI).
The infection was identified as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is referred to as a “superbug,” because it is resistant to antibiotics normally used to treat infections. The plaintiff was forced to undergo extensive medical treatment to fight the infection, including multi-staged removal and revision arthroplasties, placement of antibiotic spacers, application of wound vacs, irrigation and debridement, knee aspirations, and extensive antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, the line placement for the delivery of IV antibiotics caused the plaintiff to develop a blood clot in his left upper arm.
Not only has the plaintiff suffered severe physical and emotional pain, but he also suffered substantial economic loss from extensive medical bills.
The plaintiff claims the Bair Hugger is defective in design and manufacture and that 3M and Arizant are in breach of Tennessee’s implied warranty of merchantability. The plaintiff also asserts 3M and Arizant committed consumer fraud and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices under Tennessee law.
Bair Hugger Infection Lawsuits
Because a majority of U.S. hospitals utilize the Bair Hugger warming blanket during knee and hip replacement surgeries, thousands of Americans have been exposed to an increased risk of post-operative infections. There are currently over 800 Bair Hugger lawsuits on file that have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation in Minnesota.
Raizner Slania: Bair Hugger MRSA Infection Attorneys
If you or someone you love developed an infection after a total hip and/or knee replacement surgery within the last five years, call the experienced defective medical device attorneys at Rainzer Slania today. We 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.
