The Bard PowerPort is a medical device implanted in the human body designed to enable healthcare workers to easily give patients medication, fluids, and nutrients in a way that prevents patients from coming into frequent contact with needles.
However, many people who have used the PowerPort claim that they’ve been injured or suffered from health complications because of the device. As a result, patients nationwide have filed lawsuits against Bard Access Systems, C.R. Bard, Becton, and Dickinson & Co. These companies manufacture and sell the Bard PowerPort, and victims are seeking compensation for their injuries. Here’s a look at the nature of their claims and the litigation status.
Patients around the country who have used the Bard PowerPort claim that they’ve suffered several different medical complications, injuries, and health problems because of the device. As a result, they’ve filed lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries.
In their lawsuits, patients allege that PowerPort’s design is faulty, causing toxic materials to seep into the body and the device to break into pieces. Specifically, patients claim that using too much barium sulfate in the device compromises its integrity, causing it to break apart and move throughout the body.
Plaintiffs claim that this design flaw caused their injuries, which are very serious and include:
Many of the lawsuits also claim that the manufacturer received many complaints — or adverse event reports — about the PowerPort but they didn’t recall the device, make any changes, or warn doctors and patients about its potential dangers. The lawsuits also claim that the manufacturer knew or should have known that the PowerPort was dangerous and that they intentionally misled patients, doctors, nurses, and the public by falsely claiming that the product was safe.
Because so many patients nationwide were filing Bard PowerPort lawsuits, a group of plaintiffs sought to consolidate all the lawsuits into a single multidistrict litigation. This would mean that all the Bard PowerPort lawsuits would be heard by one judge, which would streamline the discovery process and prevent inconsistent rulings from different judges – making the outcome of each lawsuit fairer for the victims. It would also allow the plaintiffs to pool their resources and help decrease litigation costs.
On August 8, 2023, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order to consolidate all Bard PowerPort lawsuits before U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell of the District of Arizona. The JPML determined that the PowerPort lawsuits shared similar facts and allegations and that consolidating them would streamline discovery, reduce duplicative discovery, and prevent inconsistent rulings. Consolidation is also expected to help manage the high volume of expected cases.
If you or someone you love used a Bard PowerPort device and has experienced medical complications, injuries, or other health issues, there may be a link between these problems and the PowerPort — and you may be entitled to compensation.
Knowing whether you have a case or how much compensation you’re entitled to can be complex, so if you suspect your injury may be linked to the Bard PowerPort, contact the experienced attorneys at the Madeksho Law Firm today. We’ve been helping people injured by dangerous and faulty products since 1972. Our mission is to obtain justice and compensation for people who have been hurt. Find out how we can help you. Call us at 1-888-910-6376 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
