3M Bair Hugger lawsuit – Did you develop a joint infection after surgery?

Explore your legal options after developing a joint infection from a Bair Hugger device

Did you or a loved one undergo joint replacement surgery and later develop a serious complication, such as a deep joint infection? If a 3M Bair Hugger forced-air warming blanket was used during your procedure, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. Complete the form today to learn more about your legal options.

The 3M Bair Hugger forced-air warming blanket is widely used in hospitals to help regulate body temperature during surgery. However, for patients undergoing joint replacement procedures, this device may increase the risk of serious complications, including deep joint infections.

These infections can be difficult to treat, often requiring multiple surgeries, prolonged courses of antibiotics or even amputation. In the most severe cases, patients have lost their lives.

Now, patients and families are taking legal action over Bair Hugger joint replacement infections. If you or a loved one developed a surgical site infection after using a 3M Bair Hugger, you may be eligible to file a 3M lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Bair Hugger forced-air warming device 

Maintaining body temperature during surgery is critical — it helps reduce blood loss, lowers the risk of complications and supports recovery. The Bair Hugger is designed to keep patients warm during and after surgery.

It is a single-use blanket attached to a portable heater that blows warm air across the patient’s skin, helping patients under anesthesia regulate their body temperature.

Complications and risks linked to Bair Hugger warming device

While forced-air warming blankets, like the 3M Bair Hugger, have improved surgical outcomes by keeping patients warm during and after procedures, they may also carry serious risks. Patients who undergo hip, knee or other joint replacement have reported dangerous complications that are allegedly linked to these devices.

It is believed that the Bair Hugger may emit contaminated air, potentially exposing fresh surgical sites to airborne pathogens. This can lead to deep joint infections, also known as periprosthetic joint infections.

These surgical site infections can be severe and often require extensive treatment, including but not limited to:

• Hospitalization
• Additional surgeries
• Joint implant removal and revision
• Physical therapy
• Placement of an antibiotic spacer in the infected joint
• Intravenous antibiotic treatment
• Amputation

A growing number of 3M lawsuits claim the Bair Hugger’s forced air can spread bacteria directly into the surgical site, putting patients at risk for life-altering complications.

Latest Bair Hugger lawsuit updates

Recent court rulings have shaped the progress of the Bair Hugger lawsuits, with judges dismissing some cases while allowing many others to continue moving forward. As of August 2025, there are still approximately 8,827 active lawsuits pending in the Bair Hugger MDL.

2024 Rulings

In August and September 2024, the court reviewed many Bair Hugger cases where patients had passed away but their families did not complete the required steps to keep the claims active. The judge ruled that missing these deadlines meant several cases had to be dismissed. The court explained that these rules help ensure the docket only includes cases that are still active and properly documented.

2025 Rulings

In July 2025, the court issued another order dismissing additional cases where families did not file the necessary substitution paperwork after a plaintiff’s death. In some situations, surviving spouse claims were also dismissed because they could not continue on their own under state law.

While these rulings reduced the number of cases in the multidistrict litigation, many other claims remain active. This litigation continues as patients and families pursue accountability for joint infections they believe were caused by the Bair Hugger warming device.

How to file a 3M Bair Hugger lawsuit 

If you or a loved one developed complications after a surgery where a Bair Hugger device was used, you may be eligible to take legal action. A 3M lawsuit could help recover medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering.

To get started, use the confidential form on this page to share your experience. A legal professional will review your information and guide you on the best next steps for you and your family.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.