Plaintiff Asks JPML to Create MDL Docket for Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming Unit Cases in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A plaintiff has asked the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to transfer all cases alleging injuries caused by Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming units or blankets to Minnesota federal court for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

In an Aug. 21 motion, plaintiff William Lichlyter asserts that pretrial centralization of the approximately 14 cases brought against 3M Co. and its subsidiary, Arizant Healthcare Inc., will enhance the convenience of the litigation because it would significantly reduce discovery costs for defendants and allow plaintiffs’ counsel to coordinate their efforts and share the pretrial workload.

There are currently tens of …