Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Claims & Settlements: History & Overview

August 24, 2023 — The Bard PowerPort catheter has been at the center of numerous lawsuits due to reported cases of serious injury and device failure. The Schmidt National Law Group is currently accepting these cases.

Patients who have experienced complications after receiving an implantable Bard PowerPort catheter may be eligible for cash compensation from any settlements that may occur.

The following is a deep delve into the history, legal proceedings, and settlements related to the Bard PowerPort lawsuits.

We will provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including the types of injuries associated with the device, the consolidation of the lawsuits, and the timeline of key events. If you or a loved one has had any problems related to this device, please contact the Schmidt National Law Group at 1-800-631-5656, or use the 100% secure intake form below.

I. Understanding Bard PowerPort Catheter Complications

The Bard PowerPort catheter is an implantable device used to deliver medications and fluids into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, numerous adverse events have been reported in the FDA’s MedWatch system, including device fracture, infection, and migration. These complications may lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and sepsis.

The high rates of device failure associated with Bard PowerPort catheters have raised concerns among patients and medical professionals alike.

A. Types of Alleged Injuries Linked to Bard PowerPort Catheters

The implantable Bard PowerPort catheter has been associated with several alleged, serious injuries. These may include:

• Blood Clots
• Cardiac Punctures
• Catheter Fracture
• Catheter Migration
• Collapsed Lung
• Damaged Blood Vessels
• Heart Attack
• Hemothorax
• Infection/Sepsis
• Internal Bleeding
• Necrosis
• Nerve Damage
• Perforations
• Pericardial Tamponade
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Stroke
• Tachycardia
• Thrombosis

B. Bard PowerPort Device Failures and Material Composition

Bard PowerPort devices are manufactured using a material called Chronoflex, a flexible polymer that contains barium. High concentrations of barium can lead to polymer breakdown, resulting in device fracture, degradation, fissures, and tubing cracking. These alleged material defects may contribute to the high rates of device failure associated with Bard PowerPort catheters.

II. Consolidation of Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

To streamline legal proceedings and ensure efficient resolution, multiple Bard PowerPort lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The goal of consolidation is to centralize similar cases before a single judge, facilitating the exchange of information and expediting the legal process.

Let’s explore the key developments in the consolidation of Bard PowerPort lawsuits.

A. Plaintiffs’ Request for Consolidation

In May 2023, plaintiffs in various cases filed a motion requesting the consolidation of Bard PowerPort lawsuits into an MDL. The motion highlighted the filing of at least ten lawsuits across different federal districts, with more expected to follow. The Western District of Missouri was proposed as the venue for consolidation, citing existing cases already filed in that jurisdiction.

B. Defendant’s Opposition and Proposed Venues

The defendant, Bard, opposed the consolidation of the lawsuits, arguing that some plaintiffs’ injuries were not directly attributable to the PowerPort device. In response, Bard suggested Utah or Arizona as alternative venues if consolidation was deemed necessary by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). The defendant’s proposed venues aimed to accommodate the diverse geographical locations of the lawsuits.

C. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation Decision

On August 9, 2023, the JPML centralized the federal Bard PowerPort cases in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, presided over by the Honorable David Campbell. Judge Campbell, known for his experience in handling MDLs, will oversee the consolidated litigation. This decision marks a significant step towards resolving the Bard PowerPort lawsuits efficiently and effectively.

III. Timeline of Key Events in Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bard PowerPort lawsuits, let’s examine the timeline of key events leading up to the consolidation and ongoing legal proceedings.

A. December 29, 2017 – Becton Dickinson and Co. Acquisition

Becton Dickinson and Co. acquired C.R. Bard, the manufacturer of Bard PowerPort catheters. As part of the acquisition, Becton Dickinson and Co. may have assumed Bard’s liabilities. This acquisition positioned Becton Dickinson and Co. as a global healthcare leader, generating approximately $16 billion in annualized revenue.

B. February 14, 2014 – FDA Clearance for PowerPort Implantable Port

The FDA cleared the PowerPort Implantable Port through the 510(k) process, indicating that it met the regulatory requirements for safety and effectiveness. This clearance allowed Bard to market and distribute the device for delivering medications and fluids into the bloodstream.

C. June 4, 2008 – FDA Clearance for PowerPort Implanted Port with Groshong Catheter

Bard received FDA clearance through the 510(k) process for the PowerPort Implanted Port with Groshong Catheter. This clearance enabled the use of the device, which incorporates the Groshong Catheter design, for medical procedures.

D. November 14, 2007 – FDA Clearance for Titanium PowerPort Isp Implanted Port

C.R. Bard obtained FDA clearance for the Titanium PowerPort Isp Implanted Port through the 510(k) process. This clearance allowed the use of the Titanium PowerPort device, which features a 6 Fr Chronoflex Polyurethane Catheter, for delivering medications and fluids.

E. Additional FDA Clearances for Bard PowerPort Devices

Bard received multiple FDA clearances for various PowerPort devices over the years, further expanding the product line. These clearances enabled the use of different iterations of the Bard PowerPort catheter system, incorporating variations in materials and catheter designs.

IV. Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Settlements

As the litigation proceeds, settlements may be reached between Bard and plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits related to Bard PowerPort complications.

While specific settlement details may vary, they typically involve financial cash compensation for the plaintiffs to address medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from Bard PowerPort device failures. To file a defective medical device lawsuit contact our attorneys today by calling us direct at 1-800-631-5656.

A. The Importance of Legal Representation

If you or a loved one have experienced serious injuries after receiving an implantable Bard PowerPort catheter, it is crucial to seek legal representation.

Our team of attorneys has extensive expertise and specializes in medical device litigation. The Schmidt National Law Group can provide guidance, assess the merits of your case, and help navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.

B. Possible Compensation for Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Plaintiffs

Plaintiffs who have suffered injuries due to Bard PowerPort device failures may be eligible for compensation. The exact amount of compensation will depend on various factors, including the extent of the injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and additional damages caused by the device’s complications. A successful lawsuit may result in a settlement or a jury verdict awarding financial restitution to the plaintiffs.

V. Legal Conclusion

The Bard PowerPort lawsuits highlight the serious complications associated with the implantable catheter system. Patients who have experienced injuries or complications due to Bard PowerPort device failures may be eligible for cash compensation from any future settlements. The consolidation of these lawsuits into multidistrict litigation aims to expedite the legal process and ensure efficient resolution.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Bard PowerPort complications, it is crucial to call the Schmidt National Law Group to understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our skilled attorneys can guide you through the legal proceedings, advocate for your interests, and help you navigate the complexities of the Bard PowerPort lawsuits.

Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Claims & Settlements: History & Overview Page Updated on June 4, 2024.