A woman recently filed a lawsuit against 3M, alleging that the Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming Device caused her to develop severe complications from her hip replacement surgery.

Plaintiff Sallie C. underwent a hip replacement surgery for her right hip, and during her operation, a Bair Hugger warming system was allegedly used to help maintain her body temperature during the surgery.

According to the Bair Hugger lawsuit, contaminants were introduced into her open surgical site, causing her to develop a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection deep within her hip.

Due to the infection, Sallie had to undergo another surgery to take care of the infection two weeks later. The infected area of the hip was cleaned through the use of extensive irrigation.

The 3M Bair Hugger lawsuit states that in addition, antibiotic beads were placed deep within the tissues near the infection, Sallie’s hip liner was taken out and replaced and she had a wound vac placed. She also began a long course of antibiotic treatment.

As a result of the alleged Bair Hugger-induced MRSA infection, the Bair Hugger lawsuit claims that Sallie has suffered and will continue to suffer permanent damage.

Sallie has brought forth four counts against 3M including inadequate warning, design defect and breach of express warranty all under Louisiana law, as well as breach of warranty in redhibition (a Louisiana law that is similar to a “lemon law”).

The damages claimed by Sallie include: medical and related expenses, physical injury and disability, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress, loss of earnings, impairment to earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life.

Sallie is seeking compensatory damages for past and future damages for an amount in excess of $75,000, pre and post judgment interest on damages, the costs of the lawsuit and attorney’s fees, and any other compensation as deemed fair by the court.

The Bair Hugger Lawsuit is Case No. 3:15-cv-765 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Bair Hugger Warming System

The Bair Hugger FAW is a device used during surgery to keep patients warm. The device consists of a portable heater/blower unit that is connected to a blanket by way of a flexible hose.

The blanket is placed on, or sometimes under, the patient while he or she undergoes a major surgery, such as a knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery.

According to lawsuits against 3M, plaintiffs allege that the design of the Bair Hugger warming system causes the warm air from the system to rise above the cooler operating room air.

When the warmed air rises, bacteria is allegedly picked up from the floor and as it rises over the patient, bacteria can be deposited into the surgical site, resulting in a knee replacement infection, hip replacement infection , or any variety of hospital infections.

Bair Hugger Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one developed a hospital infection in the surgical site following a surgery where the Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming system was used, you may be eligible for legal compensation. An experienced lawyer can review your case at no charge and can assist you in understanding your legal options.