The 3M Bair Hugger is one of the most popular forced-air warming blankets on the market. However, over 500 lawsuits have been filed by people who developed infections after hip or knee replacement surgery.
Need a Texas Forced Air Warming Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one had a surgical site infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is a Forced Air Warming Blanket?
A forced air warming blanket is a system that pumps air into a single-use blanket that evenly distributes warm air over a patient’s body, helping them avoid hypothermia while anesthetized during surgery.
What is the problem?
Dr. Scott Augustine, an anesthesiologist who invented the Bair Hugger, is now warning doctors and hospitals to stop using the device because it can He says hospitals should switch to another device he invented that works like an electric blanket.
Forced Air Warming and Surgical Site Infections
Antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing problem in hospitals. Several people have developed Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including one woman who had to have her entire leg amputated after a routine knee replacement surgery went horribly wrong.
Hip Replacement Infection Lawsuits
In March 2013, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that a lawsuit was filed by a 70 year-old man who developed an infection after hip replacement surgery in March 2011. He eventually needed 15 surgeries, including removal of the artificial hip.
Misuse of Forced Air Warming Devices Causes Burns
Many patients have been severely burned by a practice known as “hosing,” in which the hose of a forced air warming device is detached from the blanket and heat exiting the hose is focused directly onto the patent. Lawsuits have already been filed against hospitals and doctors.In one case, the burn progressed to severe muscle necrosis and the patient’s leg had to be amputated.
Forced Air Warming Injuries
- Surgical site infections
- Amputation
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Joint infections
- Hip or knee replacement implant failure
- Revision surgery
- Burns
- Hospitalization
- Death
Need a Forced Air Warming Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas forced air warming lawyers for a free lawsuit review.