Patients with Bard PowerPort implants are in danger of experiencing complications, including septic infections, cardiac events linked to blood clots, and torn vascular tissue, according to product liability lawsuits leveled against Bard Access Systems and Becton Dickinson. The basis of the claims is the inferior design and manufacturing of the Bard PowerPort implants.
These injuries create additional burdens for Bard PowerPort users in the form of serious medical procedures that prolong recovery and increase treatment costs. Meanwhile, the manufacturers continue to profit from their flawed Bard PowerPorts. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we refuse to allow our injured clients to be saddled with these considerable expenses.
Our qualified defective medical device attorneys are available to meet with you to discuss the best way to approach your case. We can also provide insight on how you can most effectively take advantage of the services we offer. You can schedule a free consultation by calling us at (800) 320-4357 or filling out an online contact form.
Why You Should Choose WHG to Advocate For Your Case
At WHG, we see it as our privilege to represent injured clients in their hour of need. Patients who received Bard PowerPort devices trusted that the manufacturers of the equipment had adequately tested their products, used durable materials, and alerted the public to any potential issues with the implant as they became aware of them.
Bard PowerPort users have been let down on all counts. The manufacturer’s negligence is glaring, but patients injured by defective Bard PowerPorts still have the burden of proving they deserve compensation.
If you’re considering filing a Bard PowerPort lawsuit, don’t underestimate the influence an experienced product liability lawyer can have on the outcome of your case. The defective medical device lawyers of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are tenacious, detail-oriented, and routinely manage mass tort claims to secure outstanding settlements.
In a case where the defendant has considerable resources, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to make it an even match. Our product liability lawyers at WHG have the background to anticipate and respond to challenges against your case successfully.
Take a Look at Reviews for WHG and Our Case Results
Examining a personal injury law firm’s history of case results is an excellent way to see if they invest themselves in each case regardless of size or if they recycle a few significant settlement victories to advertise their services. Our team is incredibly proud of our record, which speaks to how we value each client we represent.
At WHG, we believe a fuller picture of a product liability attorney’s abilities also includes how they interact with their clients. To gauge the character of our firm, many prospective clients have found it helpful to hear directly from former clients we have represented.
“Top notch professionalism and extremely knowledgeable! I enjoyed working with Mike and was very impressed with his great advice and timely responses. He and his firm will definitely be the first on my list for any future questions.”
“Their commitment to their clients is unmatched. I’ve never felt more understood as a person seeking legal consultation. And what’s great about them is that Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia has extensive knowledge and expertise that extends beyond the military veteran pool which is what I initially enlisted their help with – something post service related. They know it all.”
Updates on the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
WHG is carefully monitoring the progress of the Bard PowerPort claims. We will provide ongoing updates as they become available.
January 2024 – Bard PowerPort MDL Sees Spike in New Claims Filed
Since August 2023, nearly 100 plaintiffs have joined the Bard PowerPort multidistrict litigation (MDL). Following serious injuries or illnesses, they received surgically implanted medical devices that caused further harm. About 30 new plaintiffs brought cases in January, marking a significant uptick in growth for the MDL.
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the Bard PowerPort MDL to Judge David Campbell in the U.S. District Court for Arizona last year. The panel also has the authority to add product liability claims to the MDL if it deems them related.
This month, the JPML will consider including product liability claims regarding Bard PowerPort’s defective port into the MDL. Currently, the panel has limited the Bard PowerPort MDL to cases involving flaws in the catheter portion of the device.
What is a Bard PowerPort Implant and How is It Used?
Bard PowerPorts are surgically implanted devices that create a direct pipeline to the patient’s vascular system. Providers can inject IV fluids, medications, blood, and other products into the titanium port body that pumps it into the catheter tubing. The flexible tube is connected to a blood vessel, which allows the injection content to flow into the bloodstream.
PowerPorts can be used in patients with chronic conditions or catastrophic acute injuries that render long-term vascular access necessary. For example, someone who is in a coma after a car accident may benefit from a more permanent injection site. Providers often implant Bard PowerPorts in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
What Injuries Can a Defective Bard PowerPort Cause?
Medical providers and patients have reported a growing list of injuries related to malfunctioning Bard PowerPorts. When the device is destabilized, it can shift pressure on surrounding blood vessels and tissues. This disrupts the circulatory system, causing blood clots and blockages that interfere with organ function.
Other causes for concern include pierced or sliced blood vessels, as well as the heightened risk of infection. The Bard PowerPort lawsuits have named injuries such as:
- Heart attack and other major cardiac issues
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Blood clots
- Infection and sepsis
- Hematoma or hemorrhage
- Nerve damage
- Pulmonary pseudoaneurysm
- Pulmonary embolism
Why Bard PowerPort Catheter Devices Are Failing
To understand why Bard PowerPort devices are breaking down, we have to look at how they were designed. The composition of the polyurethane catheter tubing contains ingredients that can become incompatible. When that happens, it can cause the tube to develop splinters and crevices.
In addition to the polyurethane that contributes to the plastic-like basis of the tubing, the catheter also contains Barium sulfate, which is often used as a contrast agent. The benefit of mixing it into the tubing is that it makes the device easier to detect in medical imaging, particularly X-rays.
Unfortunately, when the barium sulfate breaks away from the polyurethane tubing, it makes the entire catheter portion of the Bard PowerPort susceptible to irreversible damage. In sum, manufacturers used materials that failed to withstand normal use. Additionally, they made the problem worse by including too much Barium sulfate, amplifying the deterioration of the tubing.
What Kind of Damages Do I Qualify For as a Bard PowerPort Plaintiff
Bard PowerPort users are facing the consequences of manufacturers’ carelessness from a financial perspective, as well as in terms of the mental and physical toll that these injuries take. If you’re trying to figure out what kind of compensation you may be entitled to, start by making a list of the expenses you have assumed due to your Bard PowerPort injury.
This should include medical bills related to injuries caused by the defective Bard PowerPort and any ensuing complications. Make sure you account for prescriptions, physical therapy, X-rays, and other forms of care. You can also recover compensation for lost wages if you had to miss work to see a doctor or recuperate from an injury caused by a malfunctioning PowerPort.
Other economic damages may be eligible if you can demonstrate that your Bard PowerPort injury was responsible for the loss. Additionally, your personal injury claim can potentially cover damages like physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Even though they are not tangible or monetary costs, the courts recognize that their value.
Why Should I Hire WHG to Handle My Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we hold ourselves to a high standard. We set that expectation at our first meeting. We will attentively listen to your story, create a strong foundation of evidence, and devise a strategy to establish liability. From there, our personal injury lawyers will launch a relentless effort to secure you the compensation you deserve.
Our award-winning team of mass tort attorneys knows what it takes to mount a successful product liability claim. Additionally, we are equipped to navigate the specific challenges that a medical device case presents.
We have years of experience, a record of commitment, and an indisputable knowledge base to substantiate our reputation. Clients who trust WHG to advocate for them consistently benefit from the settlements they receive.
Contact WHG to Recover Compensation For Your Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
Medical device companies are entrusted with an enormous degree of responsibility to patients and the medical community. When they fail, we see situations like the Bard PowerPort cases. Patients who were already ill have suffered life-threatening blood clots, devastating infections, and an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.
With WHG representing your Bard PowerPort lawsuit, you can have peace of mind knowing that we are equipped to handle all aspects of your case. Our product liability attorneys will harness our expertise, considerable legal experience, and work ethic to maximize your compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (800) 320-4357 or fill out an online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the manufacturers of Bard PowerPorts know their devices were causing serious injuries?
It would be bad enough if the manufacturers of Bard PowerPorts were ignorant of the harm their products have been causing for more than a decade. As it turns out, Bard Access Systems clearly knew that their port-catheter device was causing serious injuries. Patients and providers had been warning the manufacturers about the defective tubing since the beginning to no avail.
What do I do if I think my Bard PowerPort is infected or broken?
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection or believe that your Bard PowerPort has moved. In all likelihood, you will need to undergo surgery to remove the Bard PowerPort if the device has started gathering bacteria, fracturing, or drifting from where it should be.
You may need antibiotics or additional treatment. A medical professional should administer assistance as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Get in touch with a reputable product liability attorney to see if you have grounds for a Bard PowerPort lawsuit.
Have Bard PowerPort devices been recalled by the manufacturer or the FDA?
No, Bard Access Systems has not recalled its PowerPorts for the problems caused by the device’s fracturing and bacteria-collecting surface. Sadly, manufacturers have not issued a recall of the defective devices to redesign them and create safer products. The FDA recalled some PowerPorts for a separate issue in 2020. As of January 2024, it had not addressed the current defects.
