Posted On August 23, 2023 Personal Injury,Product Liability and Class Action News
The Bard PowerPort (“BardPort”) is meant to help catheter-users connect the device to administer medications, but patients have reported many issues with it. Since the device launched, patients have reported issues with materials breaking, dislodging or fracturing the catheter and causing serious health risks. As a consequence, many patients are now pursuing product liability claims against the manufacturer of BardPort.
If you were injured because a doctor treated you with a defective Bard PowerPort, lawyers can help you mount a product claim against the manufacturer. At the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C., we’re dedicated to helping victims of faulty products. Call 866-778-5500 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and take your next steps.
The Bard PowerPort is a brand of medical device used for the long-term delivery of medications and fluids, as well as to take blood samples. Similar to other “port” devices, it’s made of a material such as plastic or medal and consists of a port and catheter design. This specific port is meant for power injection, the rapid infusion of material into the bloodstream. This involves being attached to a large vein, often on the chest.
However, there have been many complaints about the Bard PowerPort, and they seem to indicate structural weaknesses in the catheter tubing. This can degrade the integrity of the tubing and facilitate the growth of bacteria, cause the BardPort to move, or for it to break down in the process of treatment. Potential consequences include:
While infections are a standard risk of surgical and invasive procedures, this does not excuse infetions resulting from faulty equipment. Furthermore, it’s often possible to tell that Bard PowerPort caused an infection because the infection happens considerably later than a typical procedure-related infection.
Certain Bard PowerPort models were under a class 2 recall from the FDA from 2020 to 2022, but the recall ended when Bard resolved the relevant issues. However, that was a separate slate of issues compared to the ones that have recently drawn the criticism of patients.
Many patients have begun Bard PowerPort lawsuits throughout 2023. As of August 2023, the lawsuits were sufficiently numerous that federal judges ruled to consolidate the various cases into a single, MDL class action lawsuit. The case is criticizing the company for failing to adequately disclose risks of failure, and many individuals are seeking damages related to injury.
Potential damages in a product liability lawsuit vary widely based on an individual’s own claims. In general, though, one can summarize potential damages into the categories of economic and non-economic damages. Victims who successfully prove that their injury resulted from the negligence of the manufacturer can press for:
Economic damages:
Non-Economic Damages:
If you or a loved one suffered an injury related to Bard PowerPort, the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C. can help. Our experienced product liability lawyers are on standby to assess your case, inform you of your rights, and help you take the next step forward. Call us at 866-778-5500 or fill out our online form, and we’ll arrange a free consultation with you as soon as possible.
