Patients who require routine administration of medication, blood, fluids, or other substances can benefit from subcutaneous implants that allow direct access to the bloodstream. Bard PowerPorts have been a popular choice among healthcare providers to address this need, especially because Bard PowerPorts are capable of handling the high injection pressure necessary to dispense certain drugs.
However, Bard PowerPorts are also responsible for inflicting potentially fatal injuries due to a flaw in the catheter tubing that causes it to break down. Patients have developed infections, blood clots, and other injuries, costing them greatly in the form of medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. A multidistrict litigation has been formed to centralize their personal injury lawsuits against Bard Access Systems and Becton, Dickinson & Co.
The defective medical device attorneys of Dolman Law Group are working closely with injured Bard PowerPort users to help them recover fair compensation for these losses. If you have questions about how to pursue a Bard PowerPort implant lawsuit, schedule a free consultation with one of our product liability lawyers by calling (727) 451-6900 or completing our online contact form.
Patients and Providers Report Dangerous Complications Caused By Deteriorating Bard PowerPorts
Across the U.S., patients rely on Bard PowerPorts to receive nutrition, IV fluids, blood transfusions, and medications like antibiotics or chemotherapy. For two decades, patients have been experiencing side effects caused by Bard Powerport devices migrating or cracking. Plaintiffs in the Bard implant catheter lawsuits have identified several concerning health issues related to the degradation of their PowerPorts, such as:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Torn or punctured blood vessels
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Organ damage
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiac punctures
- Cardiac or Pericardial tamponade
- Heart attack or myocardial infarction
- Hematoma or hemorrhage
- Hemothorax
- Pneumothorax
- Hematomas
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary pseudoaneurysm
- Tachycardia
Severe Bard Powerport Injuries
The two major concerns when it comes to injuries caused by defective Bard Powerport products are blood clots and infection. Blood clots can deprive organs of the oxygen they need to function, resulting in permanent damage or even death. For example, a blood clot that travels to the brain can induce a stroke, irreparably impairing a patient’s memory, speech, and mobility.
Structurally compromised Bard PowerPorts can also cause lethal infections. Infections that originate in the bloodstream spread rapidly throughout the body, increasing a patient’s risk of sepsis, where the body begins attacking itself as it tries to fight off an infection.
In an average person, these injuries would still be considered severe, but Bard PowerPort users are already contending with health issues severe enough to warrant a semi-permanent device being implanted in their bodies because they need to receive treatment that frequently. In many cases, this renders them less capable of overcoming the injuries caused by the defective Bard PowerPort. Their medical vulnerability makes Bard Access System’s negligence all the more offensive.
How Defective Bard PowerPorts Are Causing Life-Threatening Injuries
Surgically implanted catheter ports like the Bard PowerPorts are used as a more comfortable and convenient alternative to constant needle sticks, which can become infected or produce scar tissue. The device has a port component, where the injection is administered, as well as a flexible polyurethane catheter tube that is threaded into a blood vessel through a surgical procedure.
The tubing lacks structural integrity due to the combination of Chronoflex AL polyurethane materials and barium sulfate used to make it durable and visible to medical imaging, respectively. Manufacturers relied on a ratio that included too much barium sulfate, so when it was mixed with the polyurethane the agent was inconsistently distributed. The result was brittle catheter tubing riddled with air pockets and tiny clumps of barium sulfate.
The uneven surface functions as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria to accumulate and turn into an infection. It also makes the tubing fragile. As the polyurethane catheter tubing cracks and releases sharp fragments, these small pieces can cut into blood vessels, tissue, and organs or cause dangerous blockages. The device may even migrate from where it was originally positioned, causing further damage. Patients who develop injuries related to their Bard PowerPorts usually require surgery to remove the device.
Plaintiffs Seek Compensation for Damages in Bard PowerPort Multidistrict Litigation
While PowerPort catheter implants have been highly profitable for manufacturers like Bard Access Systems, patients have paid the price for this success with their health, comfort, financial stability, and emotional well-being. Dozens of plaintiffs have confronted Bard Access Systems and its parent company Becton, Dickinson, & Co. with product liability lawsuits over the injuries caused by their device to recover compensation for their damages. Plaintiffs may seek compensation for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Medication
- Hospital stays
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Bard Powerport Lawsuit Liability
The basis of their personal injury claims is that manufacturers should have known that the chemical composition of the polyurethane tubing would make it prone to fracturing and migrating. There is strong evidence to suggest that Bard concealed PowerPort defects from healthcare providers, patients, and regulatory agencies despite ongoing reports of injuries. Instead of doing the responsible thing and recalling the defective implants, Bard continued to manufacture and profit from these devices. They also failed to warn users about the risks of their product.
This will likely help plaintiffs make their case that Bard Access Systems should be held liable as they pursue product liability claims. In August of 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated the Bard PowerPort lawsuits under the jurisdiction of Judge David Campbell in the U.S. District Court for Arizona. Since then, plaintiffs’ attorneys have applied for leadership positions in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) and Judge Campbell has taken steps to streamline the process as the MDL grows. As of December 2023, there were 69 claims filed under the Bard PowerPort multidistrict litigation.
Why You Should Choose Dolman Law Group to Represent Your Bard Powerport Lawsuit
At Dolman Law Group, we have a valuable perspective on how to negotiate mass tort claims based on defective medical devices based on our previous experience with Philips CPAP lawsuits, and other comparable claims. Our product liability lawyers are result-driven negotiators who recognize that your settlement represents your future financial stability, an acknowledgment of your pain, and accountability for the harm caused by a negligent manufacturer.
We hold our clients in the highest regard and work to ensure that our service reflects that sentiment. You can expect that your Bard PowerPort attorney will be accessible to you throughout the claims process, provide you with honest advice rooted in years of experience, and strive to maximize your compensation for your damages in your product liability lawsuit.
Contact Dolman Law Group For Help With Your Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
The personal injury lawyers of Dolman Law Group have a reputation for high client satisfaction based on our commitment to prioritizing our clients’ needs. As your Bard PowerPort implant lawyers, our team will be relentless advocates for the compensation you deserve. We believe that patients should not have to shoulder the financial, physical, and emotional burden of life-threatening injuries due to the negligence of Bard Access Systems and its parent company.
If you developed injuries like blood clots or infections due to a defective Bard PowerPort, you may be entitled to recover compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of quality of life. You can schedule a free consultation with our team of skilled product liability attorneys by calling (727) 451-6900 or completing our online contact form. We will gladly assist you in determining the merit of your claim, assessing the value of your damages, and protecting your rights.