Recently, a number of studies have been published linking Bair Hugger Warming Blankets to surgical site infections during hip and knee replacement surgeries. In short, the blankets which use forced air to prevent body heat loss during routine procedures are actually disrupting the normal air flow in operating rooms, thus drawing contaminated air from the floor up into patients’ open incisions. As we wrote about recently, the infections which follow can result in extensive antibiotic treatment, extended inpatient stays, and even additional surgeries.
Unsurprisingly, the manufacturer of Bair Hugger Warming Blankets, 3M, is facing a rash of lawsuits from people harmed by its product. In one such case, the plaintiff claims to have undergone an astounding 15 additional surgeries as the result of an infection, and has plead damages in excess of $1 million. These lawsuits against 3M and its subsidiary Arizant Healthcare have been filed both in federal and state courts.
Consolidation Sought For Bair Hugger Cases
This week, the litigants behind the federal court cases have moved to a panel of federal judges for consolidation of cases against 3M and Arizant under the theory of products liability and failure to warn of the dangers. Basically, the plaintiffs are asking for the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to transfer all federal Bair Hugger cases to the U.S. District Court for Minnesota so they can be treated as one for purposes of proceeding toward trial at an expedited pace.
A decision about consolidation of the federal Bair Hugger Warming Blankets is still pending. However, whatever the ultimate decision of the judges who will hear the motion, the state court cases against 3M and Arizant are moving forward unaffected.
UPDATE: There is a hearing scheduled by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
Contact an Attorney Today About a Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has suffered from SSI after a surgery, and you have incurred serious damages as a result, you may have a lawsuit against 3M for their defective product Bair Hugger Warming Blankets. To learn more, contact the experienced Bair Hugger Warming Blanket lawsuit attorneys of the Olinde Law Firm today at 1-800-587-1889 or fill out the online form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation about the individual circumstances of your case.