Bard Power Port Lawsuit Attorneys in Michigan
Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Update November 2023
When patients undergo certain specialized treatments, like chemotherapy, they often need specialized medical devices to deliver medications into the bloodstream. One example of a medical device used for this purpose is the Bard PowerPort device. The device helps doctors access the bloodstream and deliver medication, but it has also been associated with serious complications. If you suffered harm from one of these defective devices, you can file a Bard Power Port lawsuit.
At Lipton Law, our Michigan defective products attorney is investigating claims related to Bard PowerPort devices. If you or a loved one suffered harm from a defective PowerPort device, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We will examine the facts of your situation and determine if you have a valid claim. To see if you are eligible to file a claim, call our office today at 248-557-1688. You can also schedule your free consultation online by clicking the button below.
What Is a Bard PowerPort Device?
The Bard PowerPort device is a special type of catheter and implantable port system manufactured by Bard Access Systems, Inc. The Bard PowerPort implantable port and catheter device allows doctors access to their patient’s blood vessels. Through the device, they can deliver medications, IV solutions, nutrients, and other blood products.
It is a two-piece device made up of an injection port and a polyurethane catheter tube. A qualified medical professional implants the device under the patient’s skin, in most cases on their chest. The injection port has an elevated middle section called a “septum.” The septum is where the needle injects and administers medicine to the patient.
Once injected, the catheter portion of the device carries the medication into the bloodstream. The PowerPort is best suited for patients who need sustained and regular access to the vascular system for medication or other fluids.
What Are the Latest Updates on the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits?
Below, we outline the most recent updates in the Bard PowerPort lawsuit.
- November 1, 2023: Despite the device’s widespread implantation into approximately 300,000 people, there are currently only 62 lawsuits in the Bard PowerPort MDL. However, we are still in the very early stages of these cases. So, that number is likely to grow.
- October 27, 2023: Over 60 PowerPort lawsuits were consolidated in a federal court. Another group of lawsuits will also be consolidated into an MCL (multi-county litigation) in a New Jersey state court.
- October 16, 2023: There are now 62 pending cases in the Bard PowerPort MDL in federal court. Although the monthly number of new cases is still relatively low, we expect that number to rise as time passes.
- October 11, 2023: A Chicago woman whose PowerPort device fragmented in just nine months filed a claim that became a part of the MDL. Because of the device’s fragmentation, pieces of it were lost in her veins and heart. She underwent multiple surgeries to remove these fragments.
- October 2, 2023: The Bard PowerPort MDL was assigned to the United States District Court for Arizona under Judge David Campbell.
What Are the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits About?
The Bard PowerPort lawsuits claim that the device’s manufacturer, Bard Access Systems, Inc., has received reports of device failure for years, yet did not warn patients of the device’s risks. Many patients have suffered serious injuries because of the defective catheter port material. Along with Bard’s failure to warn of these serious risks, these injuries have spurred lawsuits.
Patients who suffer injuries from a defective Bard PowerPort catheter should contact our Bard PowerPort lawsuit attorneys as soon as possible. With our extensive experience in defective medical device cases, we can evaluate your claim and help you proceed with a claim against the manufacturer. We believe that injured patients deserve compensation for those injuries, and we will fight to recover their losses.
What Are the Main Issues with the Bard PowerPort?
The Bard PowerPort catheter device has three major problems: infection, catheter fracture, and catheter migration. Due to inherent design flaws in the device and poor manufacturing, these three problems are at the forefront of the consolidated cases in the MDL. In the following sections, we outline those three issues, as well as the complications they could cause for patients.
Port Fractures
One of the biggest potential problems in a defective Bard PowerPort device is the possibility of catheter port fractures. This is the most common issue that has caused patient injuries. The materials Bard used for the PowerPort catheter tubes are flawed and brittle. Such low quality has made the device prone to fractures of the catheter port. Fractures that occur while the device is implanted in a patient could send shards of material into the patient’s bloodstream or heart. As we’re sure you can imagine, this could cause serious injuries.
Catheter Fracture Complications
If a Bard port catheter fractures inside a patient, the following complications could arise for the patient.
- Hematomas
- Blood clots
- Cardiac punctures
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Blood vessel punctures
- Pulmonary embolism
Migration After Implantation
Unfortunately, many patients experienced complications from device migration after having the port catheter device implanted. Migration of the device means it has moved from its original position. Much like the fractures, the migrations are the result of the flawed materials the manufacturer used to make the devices. In most cases, the catheter tube portion of the device is most likely to migrate. Migration can also occur as a result of fracture.
Catheter Migration Complications
Migration of Bard PowerPort catheters can result in very serious complications for patients, including the following.
- Organ damage
- Infections
- Catheter failure
- Blood flow obstruction
Infections of the Port Site
Also due to the faulty materials used during manufacturing, many Bard PowerPort injury lawsuits claim the device caused infections. The faulty material lets bacteria into the implantable ports after fractures or degradations of the material. Yet again, the materials are the main sources of failure for the devices.
Catheter Infection Complications
If an infection occurs due to the fracture or degradation of the injection port material, the following complications could arise.
- Tissue death (necroses) around the site of the implantable port
- Tenderness, swelling, and soreness at the infection site
- Serious infections of the bloodstream, also called septicemia or sepsis
Is There a Bard PowerPort Recall?
Currently, there is not an active Bard PowerPort recall in 2023. However, in March 2020, there were three different recalled Bard PowerPort systems. Bard Access Systems complied with the Class 2 FDA recall of three device models because of incorrect parts. Bard PowerPort lawsuits filed in recent months are unrelated to the issues in the 2020 recall.
Who Can File a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
To qualify for the Bard PowerPort lawsuits, patients must meet the following criteria before filing a claim.
- They had Bard PowerPort devices implanted in them.
- They suffered severe injuries due to the failure of the catheter or port.
- The device failed because of migration, fracturing, or malfunctioning.
The best way to know for sure if you qualify for a Bard PowerPort lawsuit is to contact a defective medical device lawyer. At Lipton Law, our attorneys can evaluate your situation and advise you of your eligibility to file a claim. We will represent your interests and hold Bard accountable for their negligence which caused your injuries.
To schedule a free consultation about your case, please call our office at 248-557-1688 today.
What Injuries Have Been Linked to Defective Bard PowerPorts?
Due to the issues with the Bard PowerPort implantable port system, many patients have suffered serious injuries after the devices have suffered malfunctions. If the implant port or catheter fractures, this could lead to infections, catheter migrations, and even damage to a patient’s vascular system.
The most common injuries associated with the Bard PowerPort implant include the following.
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiac punctures
- Hemorrhage
- Vascular damage
- Severe and persistent pain
- Thromboembolism
- Infections
- Cardiac or pericardial tamponade
- Cardiac arrhythmia
How Much Is a Bard PowerPort Settlement Worth?
As of November 10th, 2023, the Bard Power Port lawsuits are still in their very early stages. We have no way of knowing what the average settlement amount might be. No settlements are even close to being reached. Depending on the extent of a patient’s injuries, these cases could be worth anywhere from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The value of an individual claim will heavily depend on that patient’s losses.
If you are unsure of the potential value of your claim, the best course of action is to speak with a qualified medical device injury lawyer. A Bard PowerPort injury attorney with Lipton Law can evaluate the facts of your case and give you an estimate of the value of your claim.
How to Calculate Damages in Your Bard PowerPort Claim
By speaking with an attorney, you can learn the potential worth of your Bard PowerPort lawsuit. If you endured serious injuries, like tissue damage, vascular punctures, blood clots, or other injuries, you may be eligible for significant compensation.
You could seek both economic (monetary) and non-economic (non-monetary) compensation for your injuries. You must have suffered these losses as a direct result of the device’s malfunction. With legal representation from one of our experienced attorneys, we can help you understand the approximate value of your losses.
Economic Losses
Economic damages are those that are easy to quantify. An injured patient participating in the Bard PowerPort multidistrict litigation could recover the following forms of economic damages.
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Therapy costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Wrongful death expenses, like funeral and burial expenses
Non-Economic Losses
Non-economic damages are those which cannot be easily quantified. An injured patient participating in the Bard PowerPort class action lawsuit could recover the following non-economic damages.
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
How to Choose an Attorney for Your Bard PowerPort Claim
As you search for the right attorney for your Bard PowerPort lawsuit, it’s important to consider two key factors: their experience and past case results. Your attorney should ideally have specific experience handling defective medical device cases. Through their experience in those claims, they will understand the best ways to support you, gather evidence for your claim, and litigate your case in court.
At Lipton Law, our Michigan personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling defective medical device claims. Our team has successfully represented injured clients and recovered compensation in cases involving the following.
When meeting with an attorney for your case, we strongly recommend asking them questions about their experience and past results. To better understand their level of experience, we recommend asking questions such as the following.
- What should I expect as your client?
- How experienced are you with defective medical device lawsuits?
- What is your success rate with defective medical device claims?
- How many years of experience do you have handling medical device injury lawsuits?
- How many cases have you taken to trial and how many have you resolved in settlement negotiations?
- What can I expect in a timeline for my case?
Thorough research is important in cases of this magnitude. Our team is always happy to evaluate your case for free and answer any questions you may have about our experience. We will advise you on your eligibility to file a claim, as well as the potential value of your claim. We will also ensure that you understand every step of the litigation process.
Contact a Bard PowerPort Injury Attorney at Lipton Law Today
If you have suffered injuries from defective medical devices like the Bard PowerPort system, Lipton Law is here for you. We know that this situation is scary and the pain can be debilitating, but our attorneys will support you every step of the way. Our team will help you fight for the compensation you deserve after enduring your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with us about your claim, please call our office at 248-557-1688 today.
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