3m Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuit – The FAQs

The majority of hospitals across the United States utilize the Bair Hugger patient warming system on patients during major surgeries. After being connected to a potentially elevated risk of infection, particularly for patients getting knee and hip replacements, the commonly used device is causing major concern. But what is the Blair Hugger Warming Blanket, and what do patients need to know? Here are the answers to some of the most important questions about the system and possible complications from its use. 

What is the 3M Bair Hugger?

The 3M Bair Hugger is used during major surgery to keep patients warm. It is a blanket that helps contain warm air that has been pumped in via a hose. Millions of surgical patients have benefited from Bair Huggers in the past, however, in recent years, the 3M Bair Hugger has been linked to unfavorable side effects.

What Problems Have Arisen From the 3M Bair Hugger?

The 3M Bair Hugger allegedly exposes patients to polluted operating room air. The warming blanket has openings on its edges that allow air to flow into polluted areas close to the floor. Once within the blanket, the air circulates and picks up whatever bacteria it may have previously gathered. Patients who undergo this procedure may be more likely to experience post-surgical infections.

What Complications are Caused By the 3M Bair Hugger?

• Post-surgical infections, including sepsis, MRSA, and deep joint infections
• Infections that can potentially lead to the amputation of limbs
• Infections that can lead to additional surgeries
• High-cost treatment of post-surgical infections

Is 3M Liable For the Defective Bair Hugger

The Bair Hugger warming blanket is currently produced and marketed by 3M, who is believed to have known about the risks of the blanket for more than a decade. Numerous lawsuits have been filed, alleging that the business knew about the issue and neglected to fix the faulty product. Thus, aggrieved parties may make one or more of the following claims in a lawsuit against 3M for issues brought on by Bair Hugger warming blankets:

• Failure-to-tell, which contends that 3M knew about the dangers of infection and surgical complications from using the Bair Hugger blanket but did nothing to warn users of those risks
• Defective design asserts that the Bair Hugger is intrinsically risky for its intended uses and that safer alternatives exist for other designs.

Questions About the 3M Bair Hugger Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one faced complications following a surgery that utilized a 3M Bair Hugger warming blanket, the team at Feingold & Posner, P.A. is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. Reach out to our firm for a free initial case evaluation to speak to a defective warming blanket mass tort lawyer for more information today.