Bair Hugger Lawsuits
If you or a family member developed a serious infection after the use of a Bair Hugger device during a hip or knee replacement, you may be entitled to a settlement. We are currently accepting clients and reviewing cases and are happy to help in any way that we are able.
What Is a Bair Hugger?
A Bair Hugger is a forced air warming (FAW) blanket manufactured by 3M. It is used during surgical procedures to keep patients warm, regulate body temperature, and prevent hypothermia.
The Bair Hugger works by pushing warm air from a portable heater through a flexible hose connected to the blanket. The blanket is draped over the patient during surgery to regulate body temperature and keep the patient warm.
The Bair Hugger was invented by Dr. Scott Augustine and was approved by the FDA in 1998. The Bair Hugger was developed because studies have found that keeping a patient warm during surgery results in quicker recovery times and less bleeding.
Infections Resulting from Use of Bair Hugger
While the Bair Hugger has been widely used during surgical procedures, there are potential complications that can result from its use.
The heated air generated by the device can potentially redirect air circulation during surgery, causing bacteria on the operating floor to become airborne. This can increase patients’ risks of developing an infection following a surgical procedure. In fact, Dr. Augustine, the inventor of the Bair Hugger, has urged hospitals to stop using the device due to the risk it imposes on patients. However, the device has not been recalled.
In particular, patients undergoing hip and knee replacements are at risk with use of the Bair Hugger. There have been several cases brought against 3M alleging that patients developed deep joint infections after hip or knee replacement surgery in which the Bair Hugger was used. Deep joint infections often require multiple procedures to clear the infection, and often to remove the infected joint implants. In very severe cases, the limb may need to be amputated.
Deep joint infections can affect a person’s quality of life, causing pain and limited mobility. They can also be a financial burden, racking up thousands of dollars’ worth of medical bills for each subsequent procedure needed to clear the infection and restore mobility to the extent that is possible. If you developed a deep joint infection after the use of a Bair Hugger blanket during hip or knee replacement surgery, you may be entitled to compensation.
Filing a Bair Hugger Lawsuit in New Orleans
Since Dr. Augustine began warning against the Bair Hugger device in 2010, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against 3M, who manufactures the device. Complaints allege that 3M knew about the increased risk of infections associated with the Bair Hugger and failed to properly warn doctors and patients or redesign the device to make it safer. Some also allege that 3M attempted to hide and discredit evidence scientific evidence pointing to potential problems with the device.
If you developed a deep joint infection following a hip or knee replacement in which a Bair Hugger was used, you may be eligible for compensation for past and future medical expenses, disability and resulting lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you think you might have a case or have any questions, please contact our office at (504) 410-9611. We will review your case and inform you of your options. If you decide to proceed with a lawsuit, we will work with you every step of the way.