Bard PowerPort™ Lawsuit

Lawsuits claim the Bard PowerPort implant caused various catheter complications. Some complications, like infections and catheter fracture, are more common than others. Anyone who has suffered from a qualifying injury may be able to file a lawsuit. This may result in compensation.

Why Are People Filing Bard PowerPort™ Lawsuits?

Victims have begun filing lawsuits against C.R. Bard Inc. (Bard), which is a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company. This company manufactures PowerPort catheter implants. This device is also called an injection port, Port-a-Catheter and Port-a-Cath. Many patients have experienced malfunctions with the device, leading to injury.

Doctors may use the Bard implantable port for patients receiving repeat intravenous (IV) treatments. For example, cancer patients undergoing IV chemotherapy may have a Port-a-Cath implanted.

By having an implanted port device, IVs don't need to be reinserted for each treatment session. Ideally, this would make the process easier on patients. But some patients say the device did not work as intended.

Instead, it has been linked to serious injuries and complications. Some complications involve the catheter itself, like a break, fracture or migration. Other complications include infection, blood clots and severe, persistent pain.

Most lawsuits so far are focused on catheter failures caused by design flaws. Some lawsuits also claim the medical device manufacturer should have known and warned people of these risks.

Catheter Fractures From Bard PowerPorts

Some patients have experienced catheter fractures and other similar PowerPort complications. Catheter fractures, while uncommon, can be dangerous. They occur when the thin plastic tube inserted into a vein cracks or breaks. It can cause severe injuries, ranging from medication leakage to broken catheter pieces in the vein.

If pieces of a broken or fractured catheter are in the vein, it can lead to further issues. These potential issues include pulmonary embolism, infection, bleeding and thrombosis.

To resolve this complication, doctors may take various approaches. The severity of the fracture or break is one factor that influences next steps. If pieces of the catheter have entered the vascular system, surgery may be necessary. But when possible, doctors commonly choose minimally invasive techniques as a first-line option.

The cost for treating catheter fractures also varies. It depends on which method doctors use to address the complication. Receiving financial compensation from lawsuits may help cover these costs.

Catheter Migration From Bard PowerPorts

Catheter migrations are a complex issue that has occurred with some Bard PowerPorts. Catheters can become dislodged from actions like coughing or vomiting. Migration is associated with other resulting complications.

Migration complications depend on various factors, like which vein the catheter is in. But patients may experience infection, catheter malfunction, perforation, hemorrhage, thrombosis, neurological complications and ear, neck or shoulder pain.

For most Port-a-Caths, migration is uncommon but is still a risk. But lawsuits claim they occurred more often than usual with Bard PowerPorts. Victims believe the device has a faulty design that led to the increased risk of migration. They were also not told this risk was greater than with other catheters.

Catheter Infections From Bard PowerPorts

Catheter infections are another complication linked to Bard PowerPort implantable ports. Infections can develop for various reasons, like catheter fractures or migrations. Infections can range in severity, progressing to sepsis or septic shock in some cases.

Infection is a risk with all catheter implants. But patients who have filed lawsuits say Bard PowerPorts are faulty and caused severe infections. Patients say Bard did not disclose the increased risk of infection.

For some patients, the infections developed later than typically expected. They believe the port's faulty design allowed bacteria to develop months after healthcare providers implanted the device.

Research shows that infections from catheters, like PowerPorts, can cause further complications. For example, doctors often need to focus on the catheter infection first. This may delay other vital treatments for patients' primary diagnoses, such as cancer.

Who Can File a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?

Anyone who believes they experienced Bard PowerPort problems may be able to file a lawsuit. If unsure, qualified attorneys can easily review patients' eligibility.

The list of common complications related to Bard PowerPorts is not exhaustive. Patients who suffered a complication not listed can still speak with personal injury lawyers.

In lawsuits filed so far, some of these complications are more common than others In general, these complications appeared within 60 days of implantation. But some appeared later, more than 90 days after the port was implanted. For example, infections that occurred more than 90 days after implantation are commonly cited in lawsuits.

Anyone who has suffered Bard catheter implant complications can contact a law firm for a case evaluation. They can discuss the details and determine the next steps to take.

Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

Some patients began filing Bard PowerPort catheter lawsuits in 2023. These patients experienced various injuries and complications from their Bard Port-a-Cath implants. Litigation for this medical device is still in its beginning stages. Patients who may have experienced any complications from Bard PowerPorts can discuss potential litigation options with lawyers.

Examples of some initial Bard product liability lawsuits include:

• A colon cancer patient filed a Bard Port-a-Cath lawsuit. She was receiving chemotherapy through the PowerPort catheter device, which fractured. Her lawsuit says she developed deep vein thrombosis as a result and needed major surgery.
• A patient filed a PowerPort lawsuit. She claims the PowerPort catheter's design led to a bloodstream infection and embolism. This resulted in multiple corrective surgeries and procedures.
• A breast cancer patient filed a PowerPort lawsuit. Her lawsuit alleges that her PowerPort catheter fractured and migrated while she was receiving chemotherapy. She had emergency surgery to remove catheter fragments from her heart.

Bard PowerPort Multidistrict Litigation

In June 2023, parties in the existing Bard lawsuits filed a motion for multidistrict litigation (MDL). This approach to cases is common and simplifies the process for all involved parties. It involves initially transferring cases to federal courts.

With MDL consolidation, a judicial panel groups similar cases together for various pretrial activities. Unlike class action lawsuits, all cases stay separate. An individual court handles all initial case proceedings, which increases efficiency and convenience. Then the cases return to their original courts for the remaining litigation steps.

A hearing took place in July 2023 to determine if these Bard PowerPort lawsuits will enter the MDL process. The court has not yet released the outcome.

Bard PowerPort Settlements and Verdicts

Bard PowerPort catheter lawsuits are still in the early stages of litigation, so there are no settlements or verdicts yet. As these lawsuits progress, victims may receive compensation for faulty Bard Port-a-Caths.

Settlements and verdicts are two potential outcomes for lawsuit plaintiffs (victims). Settlements are an agreement reached by both parties outside of court. Specific compensation from settlements is not always available to the public. Juries or judges determine verdicts in court. These verdict amounts awarded to victims are typically public information.

In general, verdicts are awarded to compensate for legal damages. These may include:

• Punitive damages regarding a company's product liability
• Victims' pain and suffering
• Compensatory damages for victims' expenses, like treatment costs

Frequently Asked Questions About Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

What Is the Lawsuit for Port-a-Cath?

Personal injury lawsuits claim Bard's Port-a-Caths were faulty and led to life-threatening complications. Victims say these complications, like infections and catheter fractures, required major corrective care. Litigation for this product is still in its early stages.

Who Is Eligible for a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?

Anyone affected by complications from a Bard catheter implant may be able to file a lawsuit. So far, common qualifying complications include infection, catheter fractures, embolism and blood clots. Patients who have suffered from the effects of defective Bard PowerPorts can speak with lawyers for a free consultation.