Bard PowerPort Catheter Lawsuits & Updates

Earlier this year, in April 2023, multiple lawsuits claimed that several Bard PowerPort catheters had fractured or migrated after implantation due to the degradation of its tubing material. Since then, it has been estimated that at least 10 Bard PowerPort injury or wrongful death lawsuits have been filed.

What Is a Bard PowerPort Catheter?

The Bard PowerPort was designed to be a small device, roughly the size of a nickel, used to carry medicine into the bloodstream. At the top of the device, there are one or two basins that are sealed with a silicone top. This port is inserted under the skin on a person’s chest or arm.

The ports of the catheter then open or close depending on the pressure from inside the bloodstream. When medicine is inserted into the tube, the pressure from it opens the port, allowing the medicine to flow quickly into the blood.

The FDA approved the Bard PowerPort injectable ports in the early 2000s, primarily for use in treatments requiring repeated IV access. These types of procedures include chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, parenteral nutrition, pain management, and dehydration.

However, the recent designs have multiple defects. The most common defect has been the breaking off of small fragments of the catheter. Once the device breaks, many patients experience blood clotting and infection, requiring emergency surgery. Fatalities have been reported in some extreme instances.

What Is the Lawsuit About?

While there have been multiple lawsuits against Bard, all of which are alleging similar complaints, no class action has yet been filed. However, there have been numerous product liability claims filed in court. A product liability lawsuit occurs when a party, the defendant, is held liable for injuries and damages for poorly designing, manufacturing, or supplying a defective product to another person, the plaintiff.

Given the similar nature of the claims, it is anticipated that the courts will come together and coordinate discovery and all pretrial proceedings similar to a class action lawsuit. However, since each injury is unique, the plaintiffs will likely have to file separately.

Settlement Information

Currently, there has been no agreement to any global settlement for the Bard PowerPort lawsuit. However, our legal team at Van Law Firm believes that this will change. With the uptick in claims surrounding the product, the company will likely allocate a settlement fund.

Bard PowerPort Damages

Several factors can help determine if an individual qualifies for compensation due to the PowerPort device. Each suit will vary in amount for the settlement, but generally the more debilitating the injury the more you might be entitled to.

These are a few of the factors that can determine the amount of a settlement:

The nature of the injury caused by the device
The number of medical expenses that directly go toward the patient’s recovery
The length of time the device had been used
All amount of lost wages or losses of earning potential
Any past and future amount of pain and suffering both physically and mentally

How to Qualify for PowerPort Catheter Compensation

If you believe that you have been injured by a PowerPort device, contact Van Law Firm immediately. To qualify you must have been:

Implanted with a PowerPort injection device from an industry-recognized company

1. - Bard has 70% of the market on this device, so it is the most common
    - Brands such as AngioDynamics and Smiths Medical are also accepted

Diagnosed with a tangible injury

- These injuries include:
  - Port fractures, dislodgement, and complications from blood clots
  - Post-implant arrhythmias that occur up to 90 days after the implant, causing irregular heartbeats
  - Port infections that occur up to 90 days after the implantation process

If you believe that you fit this criteria, reach out to Van Law Firm for a free consultation.

Contact Van Law Firm Today!

Navigating the legal process can be complicated, particularly when you’re dealing with a defective product. At Van Law, we understand the challenges that you’re facing, and we strive to ensure that your lawsuit proceeds smoothly.

Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in personal injury claims and has extensive experience handling cases of this nature. Since our firm’s establishment in 2016, we have successfully settled over $300 million in personal injury claims.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation that you’re entitled to. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation or chat with us 24/7 via our website. Don’t wait! Our experienced legal team is standing by.

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