Bard Catheter Port Lawsuit
The use of medical devices like the Bard PowerPort catheter has become commonplace for patients requiring long-term intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis. While these devices have offered convenience and reduced the need for repeated needle sticks, they have also been the subject of mounting legal scrutiny due to severe complications and injuries reported by patients. If you or a loved one have suffered harm from a Bard PowerPort, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Douglas & London, we are committed to helping patients and their families pursue justice when defective medical devices cause harm and fight hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. To date, we have secured more than $75 million for victims of medical device manufacturer negligence. We will work diligently to ensure the negligent party, usually the manufacturer, is held accountable so you receive a fair and just verdict or settlement. Schedule a free consultation with a Bard catheter port lawyer to discuss your case in detail.
What Are Bard Catheter Ports?
A Bard catheter port is a small, implanted medical device designed to provide easy and long-term access to veins for patients requiring frequent intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy or medication delivery. The port is surgically placed beneath the skin, typically in the chest, and connected to a catheter that runs into a central vein. Medications, fluids, or blood samples can be administered or drawn by inserting a needle into the port, reducing the need for repeated needle sticks.
Bard catheter ports are now considered potentially dangerous to patients due to reports of device failures and complications that can lead to serious health risks. These complications can lead to additional medical procedures, prolonged treatment, and even life-threatening conditions.
The Rise in Lawsuits Against Bard
In recent years, the number of lawsuits filed against Bard, the manufacturer of the PowerPort, has increased dramatically. These lawsuits claim that Bard PowerPort catheter ports are defective and pose significant risks to patients. Many of these claims allege that Bard failed to properly warn patients and healthcare providers of the potential dangers associated with the device, resulting in serious injuries that could have been prevented.
For example, according to Forbes, “In April 2023, plaintiffs began filing lawsuits against C.R. Bard alleging that they experienced injuries as a result of device fracturing, blood clots, and infection. By May of that same year, a petition was underway to form a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to centralize the claims.”
A mass tort lawyer would handle MDLs for Bard catheter ports. MDLs are commonly used in mass tort cases where numerous plaintiffs file similar lawsuits against the same defendant. These lawsuits aim to hold Bard accountable for its design flaws, manufacturing errors, and lack of sufficient safety information.
The Allegations Against Bard Catheter Ports
The lawsuits against Bard PowerPort primarily focus on the company’s failure to disclose the full extent of the risks associated with the device. Plaintiffs argue that Bard either knew or should have known about the defects in the PowerPort’s design and manufacturing process that have contributed to life-threatening complications, including the following:
- Device Fracture: Claims that the catheter or port components break, leading to fragments traveling through the bloodstream, which can cause serious internal injuries.
- Infections: Allegations that the design or materials of the port increase the risk of severe infections at the implant site or in the bloodstream.
- Blood Clots: Accusations that the port contributes to thrombosis (blood clots) in or around the vein where it is implanted.
- Device Migration: Claims that the port moves from its intended location, causing damage to surrounding tissues or organs.
- Material Defects: Assertions that the materials used in the port, such as poorly designed polymers or metals, degrade over time, leading to device failure.
- Inadequate Warnings: Allegations that Bard failed to provide sufficient warnings to patients and healthcare providers about the risks and potential complications associated with the device.
- Negligent Design and Manufacturing: Claims that Bard negligently designed or manufactured the port, making it prone to failure and unsafe for patients.
Understanding Bard Catheter Ports
Bard PowerPort catheter ports are small medical devices surgically implanted under the skin. They are designed to provide easy access to a patient’s bloodstream, making it more convenient for those who need frequent intravenous treatments. Once implanted, a needle can be inserted into the port to administer medications, nutrients, or fluids, or to draw blood.
Bard PowerPort devices are most commonly used by patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, or other treatments that require regular intravenous access. They are designed to remain in place over extended periods, eliminating the need for repeated needle sticks and reducing the risk of vein damage. While the intended use of the device is beneficial, the reality for many patients has been a much more harmful experience.
Common Injuries and Complications Linked to Bard PowerPort
Patients who have used Bard PowerPort devices have reported a range of injuries and complications that can require additional surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and even result in permanent disability or death.
Infection Risks
One of the most common complications associated with Bard PowerPort devices is infection. The ports create an entry point for bacteria, which can lead to severe infections in the bloodstream or surrounding tissue. In some cases, infections become so severe that the port must be surgically removed.
Device Migration
Another reported issue is device migration, where the PowerPort shifts from its original location. When this occurs, it can cause pain, damage to surrounding tissue, or even lead to life-threatening conditions if the device moves into vital organs or blood vessels.
Blood Clots and Blockages
Blood clots and blockages are also common with Bard PowerPort devices. These complications can restrict blood flow, cause discomfort, and potentially lead to serious medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Eligibility for Filing a Defective Medical Device Lawsuit
Advancements in technology and the medical field have brought about life-saving medical devices. But sometimes, due to improper testing or design, those medical devices result in catastrophic injuries or death. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from a Bard PowerPort, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. There are several factors to consider when determining eligibility, including the nature of the injuries sustained and the circumstances surrounding the use of the device.
Patients who have suffered severe injuries, infections, or other complications directly related to their Bard PowerPort device may qualify for legal action. Additionally, the families of individuals who have passed away as a result of complications from the device may also be eligible to file wrongful death lawsuits.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to note that strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, limit the time you have to file a claim. These time limits vary by state, so acting quickly to preserve your legal rights is crucial.
Speak to a Trusted Defective Medical Device Lawyer Today
Navigating a lawsuit against a large corporation like Bard can be complex and overwhelming. At Douglas & London, we have extensive experience in medical device injury litigation, and our attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of injured patients. Our New York defective medical device attorneys understand the financial, emotional, and physical toll that defective medical devices can have, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Bard PowerPort catheter port, contact us today for a free consultation. Our legal team will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for pursuing justice and compensation.
