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Patients Question the Safety of the Bard PowerPort
Bard PowerPort is a medical device designed to rapidly administer medications through a catheter. Numerous patients have reported problems since the device's introduction, including issues with materials breaking, catheter dislodgement, and fracturing, which have resulted in serious health risks. Consequently, many injured patients are now pursuing product liability claims against the manufacturer of the Bard PowerPort.
If you have been injured due to a healthcare provider using a defective Bard PowerPort, legal professionals can assist you in initiating a product liability claim against the manufacturer. The law firm of Console & Associates, P.C., is committed to helping victims of faulty products find justice.
Bard PowerPort: Function and Flaws
The Bard PowerPort is a medical device designed for the extended delivery of medications, fluids, and blood sample collection. Similar to other "port" devices, it is constructed from materials like plastic or metal and features a port and catheter design. This specific port is intended for power injection, facilitating the rapid infusion of substances into the bloodstream.
The device is often connected to a major vein, typically on the chest. This means that PowerPort has little room for error, and can easily cause injury in the case of malfunction. However, numerous complaints have emerged regarding the structural weaknesses in the catheter tubing. These issues can compromise the tubing's integrity, foster bacterial growth, lead to BardPort displacement, or cause breakdowns during treatment.
Possible consequences include blood clots, irregular heartbeat, heart punctures, hemorrhaging, internal perforations, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, tearing of blood vessels and organs, and infections.
While infections are a common risk associated with surgical and invasive procedures, it's likely that Bard PowerPort causes infections that otherwise wouldn't happen. This is because allegedly PowerPort-related infections often occur considerably later than typical procedure-related infections.
Previous Recalls of Bard PowerPort
Certain Bard PowerPort models underwent a class 2 recall from 2020 to 2022. While Bard addressed the relevant issues in line with the FDA requirements, these were distinct from the concerns that have recently drawn patient criticism. As such, numerous patients have initiated Bard PowerPort lawsuits throughout 2023.
By August 2023, the volume of lawsuits led federal judges to consolidate these cases into a single MDL class action lawsuit. This lawsuit alleges that the company failed to adequately disclose the risks associated with device failure, and many individuals are seeking compensation for injuries.
What Compensation Could Patients Receive Through a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
The potential compensation available to patients through a Bard PowerPort lawsuit varies depending on individual circumstances. In general, potential damages can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Victims who can successfully demonstrate that their injuries resulted from the manufacturer's negligence may seek compensation for:
Economic damages: Including medical expenses, future medical care, lost income due to treatment or disability.
Non-economic damages: Including the psychological impact of injury, pain and suffering, personal distress, and strain on interpersonal relationships.
If you or experienced an injury related to the Bard PowerPort, the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C. can help you evaluate your next steps. The firm has a team of experienced product liability lawyers ready to evaluate your case, inform you of your rights, and guide you through the next steps. Give us a call at 866-778-5500.
