Bair Hugger

3M, the manufacturer of Bair Hugger warming blankets, has faced multiple legal challenges in the ongoing lawsuit regarding its device. Recently, the company attempted to prevent expert witnesses from testifying on behalf of the plaintiffs, but this effort was unsuccessful. The judge overseeing the Bair Hugger multidistrict litigation (MDL), the Honorable Joan N. Ericksen, ruled that expert testimony could be presented to the jury. These expert insights focus on the potential link between the Bair Hugger warming system and post-surgical infections, which could strengthen the claims of numerous plaintiffs.

On January 27, 2025, it was confirmed that three Bair Hugger cases are set to be ready for Bellwether trials by March 3, 2025. These trials will be instrumental in shaping the legal claims against 3M regarding its hazardous surgical warming blanket. As of February 3, 2025, the federal litigation has seen a total of 7,873 lawsuits filed by individuals who have suffered harm due to the device, marking an increase of 146 cases compared to the previous month.

An increasing number of individuals are participating in the multidistrict litigation against the Bair Hugger warming devices. Between December 2, 2024, and January 2, 2025, 55 additional plaintiffs became part of the federal lawsuit, claiming they were harmed by the warming-blanket device. Those involved in the case assert that the device contributed to infections and other serious complications after surgery. With these 55 new filings, the total number of pending lawsuits against 3M regarding the alleged risks associated with Bair Hugger blankets now stands at 7,727.

A research article published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology emphasized the critical need to replace the filters in Bair Hugger warming blanket devices. According to the study, Bair Huggers with filters that have been used extensively may increase the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). The study also underscored the manufacturer’s guideline, recommending that the HEPA filter be replaced after 500 hours of operation or after one year of use, whichever comes first.

A patient who underwent hip replacement surgery and contracted a severe infection attributed to the Bair Hugger system received a $5 million settlement. The plaintiff alleged that the device circulated contaminated air, causing the infection that led to multiple surgeries and prolonged hospitalization. The settlement covered medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

A knee surgery patient filed an individual lawsuit after developing a life-threatening infection. The court awarded a $3.2 million verdict, ruling that the Bair Hugger device was responsible for contaminating the sterile environment during surgery. The verdict included compensation for the patient’s medical costs, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.

In a class action lawsuit, multiple patients who suffered infections after surgeries involving the Bair Hugger system reached a collective settlement worth $2.5 million. Each plaintiff received compensation for medical expenses, additional surgeries, and ongoing treatments. This case highlighted the widespread impact of the device and the manufacturer’s failure to address its design flaws.

A plaintiff who contracted a surgical site infection following a hip replacement surgery involving the Bair Hugger device was awarded a $1.8 million settlement. The patient experienced multiple surgeries to treat the infection and long-term health complications. The settlement included reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering caused by the infection.