In a legal battle that highlights the complexities of product liability, Robyn E. Sattelmyer has taken her case against Covidien, LLC and others to the Ohio Court of Appeals. On December 20, 2022, Sattelmyer filed a complaint in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas against Covidien, Cardinal Health 200, LLC, John Doe Corporations 1-5, and OhioHealth Corporation. The lawsuit centers around an incident on December 23, 2020, when Sattelmyer was injured by an Argyle Infant Heel Warmer while working at OhioHealth. This device is designed to warm an infant’s heel for blood sampling but allegedly exploded during use, causing serious injuries to Sattelmyer’s eyes.
The case delves into the intricacies of product liability under the Ohio Product Liability Act (OPLA). Sattelmyer’s complaint accuses Covidien and other defendants of manufacturing defects, design defects, and failing to conform to representations about the product. She argues that these entities are responsible for making or selling medical products like the heel warmer involved in her injury. Her claims are supported by FDA recall notices highlighting similar issues with the product dating back to 2015 and again in 2021.
Covidien and Cardinal Health sought dismissal of Sattelmyer’s claims under Civ.R. 12(B)(6), arguing that her complaint lacked specific allegations about what was wrong with the heel warmer’s design or manufacture. They contended that her claims were mere legal conclusions without factual support. However, Sattelmyer maintained that her complaint sufficiently detailed facts supporting her claims against these companies.
Sattelmyer seeks various forms of relief from the court including compensation for her injuries and a declaratory judgment regarding workers’ compensation benefits related to OhioHealth. Her case underscores the challenges plaintiffs face in proving product liability claims under OPLA standards.
The attorneys representing Sattelmyer include Anita M. Washington from Bey & Associates LLC. Covidien is represented by John A. Favret III from Tucker Ellis LLP and Bryan T. Pratt from Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP. Cardinal Health’s legal team includes C. Darcy Jalandoni from Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP along with Sara C. Schiavone and Jhay T. Spottswood-Harrison. The presiding judge over this appeal is Edelstein J., with Mentel J., concurring and Beatty Blunt J., offering a partial dissenting opinion on certain aspects of the case (Case ID: No. 25AP-319).
Source: 2026Ohio527_Sattelmyer_v_Covidien_LLC_Opinion_Ohio_Court_of_Appeals.pdf
