Parker Waichman LLP

PreTrial Order Issued In Bair Hugger Warming Blanket MDL

Allegations include that the Bair Hugger leads to severe infections. Lawsuits In The Bair Hugger Warming Blanket MDL. There are nearly 700 lawsuits in the Bair Hugger forced air warmer system multidistrict litigation (MDL) that have been organized in the United States District Court, District of Minnesota. Lawsuit allegations include that the Bair Hugger leads […]

Allegations include that the Bair Hugger leads to severe infections.

Lawsuits In The Bair Hugger Warming Blanket MDL. There are nearly 700 lawsuits in the Bair Hugger forced air warmer system multidistrict litigation (MDL) that have been organized in the United States District Court, District of Minnesota. Lawsuit allegations include that the Bair Hugger leads to severe infections.

The court just approved use of a “Plaintiff Fact Sheet” in its pretrial Order. Current plaintiffs must complete the Fact Sheet within 90 days. Future plaintiffs and plaintiffs whose lawsuits are transferred into this MDL will must complete the Fact Sheet within 90 days following either filing of their complaint or short-form complaint, or their completed transfer, whichever is later.

An MDL allows the lawsuits associated with a particular product-in this case, the Bair Hugger system-to-be coordinated under one judge for pretrial litigation. Coordination of an MDL helps to avoid duplicative discovery and inconsistent rulings and to conserve the resources of the parties, witnesses, and the court. When lawsuits are consolidated in an MDL, each retains its own identity. If the MDL process does not resolve the cases, they are transferred back to the court where they originated for trial. Initial cases are known as so-called “bellwether trials,” and enable involved parties to better understand and predict how future cases will turn out and if their cases should be negotiated for an out-of-court settlement. The Plaintiff Fact Sheet is used to obtain information about specific plaintiff cases and is intended to streamline the discovery process.

Bair Hugger System Led To Infections

Plaintiffs similarly allege that the Bair Hugger system has led to severe deep joint infections. This serious side effect has allegedly led to the need for additional surgeries and amputations, among other complications.

The Bair Hugger blankets are meant to maintain temperature during hip or knee replacement surgeries and work by pushing warm air through a hose into a blanket that is draped over a patient who is under anesthesia. The Bair Hugger warming blanket may allegedly pick up bacteria-contaminated air, blowing harmful pathogens directly into a sterile surgical site, according to a prior The New York Times report.

The Bair Hugger system was invented by Dr. Scott Augustine, an anesthesiologist. The system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. In the 25 years since the system was released to the market, Bair Hugger warming blankets have been used in over 200 million patients.

Need Legal Help Regarding Bair Hugger Warming Blanket?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Just wanted to say thank you Parker Waichman it has been a long fight through this event also would like to thank Ms Stacy for hanging in there in keeping me updated. She did an outstanding job with a lot of care Great team work
miguel ortiz
9 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Responsiveness I would like to complement my only contact person at your firm. Her name is Ashley Lopitlato her kind reassurances sustained me through times of worry and doubt she made the wait far more bearable. Thank you, Ashley
R Nagle
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP is a very Professional and knowledgeable in the work that they do. They worked tirelessly in bringing my case to a Great outcome. I am satisfied with their work and I recommend their services. Thank You Benita Rollis for your hard work and dedication. YOU MADE IT HAPPEN FOR ME.
Pamela Wilkes
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038