Researchers have found that more than 80% of U.S. hospitals use Bair Hugger warming blanket systems in millions of surgical procedures each year. Although they are used throughout hospitals in the U.S., studies have found that Bair Hugger warming blankets could increase the risk of infection during orthopedic operations. The Bair Hugger warming blanket is a device used on patients that have to be under anesthesia for longer than two hours, which is a timeframe which positions the patient in an elevated risk area for hypothermia. Studies have revealed that keeping a patient’s body warm during an operation will regulate their body temperature and helps to prevent hypothermia, but may also lead to infections when using a Bair Hugger warming blanket.
What Are Recent Bair Hugger Lawsuits Alleging?
The recent Bair Hugger warming blanket lawsuits allege that the manufacturer of the Bair Hugger warming blanket, 3M, knew about the possible heightened risks of joint infections linked with the use of the machines during an operation. With this knowledge, 3M allegedly did not remodel the warming blanket in such a way to improve the safety and lacked a warning to healthcare providers. Furthermore, the lawsuits claim that 3M made an attempt to hide and shame any scientific study that found an increased risk of infections with the use of the warming machines.
What Is Dangerous About Bair Hugger Warming Blankets?
Research has shown that the warming blanket device can spread airborne impurities while sustaining a safe temperature for patients because of the intake of air needed to heat up the blanket. The most serious side effect is identified as deep joint infections, particularly in the hip and knee during replacement operations. Because joint replacements are mostly produced out of metal and plastic, it is challenging for a patient’s immune system to prevent any bacteria from making it to the implants. In addition, the bacteria developed at the implantation can generate a shield-like film which is resistant to antibiotics.
Consequently, patients with infected joint replacements repeatedly need surgery in order to stop the infection from spreading. Treatment of such infections include a combination of operations and antibiotic rehabilitation. In even more severe cases, amputation, joint fusion, or removal may be necessary to fix the mistakes brought on by the infections. These may be costly and you may be able to be compensated for any monetary losses due to the use of a Bair Hugger warming blanket.
Contact a Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered from an injury where a Bair Hugger warming blanket was used, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Bair Hugger warming blanket lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a Bair Hugger warming blanket lawsuit for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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