The PowerPort, manufactured by Bard, a subsidiary of Becton Dickinson (BD), is a medical device designed to provide patients with reliable access to their veins for regular treatments. Such treatments include chemotherapy, IV medication, blood transfusions, and more. Although many patients benefit from port devices, numerous reports and legal claims suggest some patients have experienced a serious Bard PowerPort injury.
Kherkher Garcia’s product liability lawyers understand the challenges and complications that come with medical device injuries. We are dedicated to helping individuals pursue justice. Below, we provide an overview of Bard PowerPort, the associated risks, and what steps individuals can take if they or a loved one suffered an injury due to a Bard PowerPort.
What Is Bard PowerPort?
A Bard PowerPort is an implantable port device inserted under the skin and connected to a major vein through a catheter. Its primary purpose is to provide reliable access for patients who need frequent intravenous treatments without the need for repeated needle sticks. Once implanted, medical providers can access the port for medication, fluids, or blood draws. The PowerPort is part of a class of devices known as central venous access ports.
The device is intended to be safe, secure, and reliable, with many manufacturers marketing these ports as low-risk and convenient for patients. However, emerging reports and lawsuits indicate that the Bard PowerPort may pose unique and serious risks, leaving many patients injured and facing significant health challenges.
Understanding the Risks and Complications of PowerPort Devices
Although the PowerPort was intended to improve the quality of life for patients who require frequent access to their bloodstream, the device has been linked to numerous complications, including:
Infections
One of the primary risks associated with the PowerPort is infection. When bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream through the port, it can lead to serious infections, including sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and can result in organ failure or death if not promptly treated.
Catheter Fracture
A critical component of Bard PowerPort is the catheter that connects the port to a major vein. When this catheter fractures, it can release fragments into the bloodstream, leading to potentially fatal consequences. These fragments can travel to the heart or lungs, causing damage to organs and requiring emergency intervention to remove.
Device Migration
Bard PowerPort may migrate or shift within the body, a dangerous issue that can lead to the port becoming lodged in unintended areas. Migration can cause intense pain, blood clots, or even require surgical intervention to reposition or remove the device.
Blood Clots
Patients using Bard PowerPort are at an increased risk of blood clots forming in and around the port or catheter. Clots can obstruct blood flow and, if they dislodge, may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or other parts of the body, causing life-threatening complications.
Device Malfunction
Reports have surfaced that Bard PowerPort may have inherent design flaws or manufacturing defects. These issues may lead to the device breaking, leaking, or otherwise failing to operate as intended, putting patients’ lives at risk.
What Causes Bard PowerPort Injuries?
A growing number of lawsuits are raising concerns that the PowerPort’s design and construction may have contributed to the injuries experienced by users. Specifically, some claims allege that the materials used in the device, combined with design features, made it prone to cracking, degradation, and migration. Additionally, the lawsuits argue that the PowerPort may have been manufactured with inadequate quality control or that manufacturers failed to conduct adequate testing to identify potential defects before releasing the product.
Potential Design Defects
One focus of the legal claims surrounding the PowerPort is the materials used in the device. The Bard PowerPort contains a type of polyurethane that some claim may be more prone to cracking or becoming brittle over time. This degradation can increase the risk of catheter fracture and device migration. Furthermore, the design of the PowerPort may make it more challenging for healthcare providers to implant the device securely, contributing to potential risks.
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects occur when errors in production cause certain batches of devices to be faulty or defective. In some cases, improper sterilization, poor assembly, or other mistakes can create conditions that make the device more dangerous for patients. If a manufacturing defect is responsible for a Bard PowerPort injury, the injured person may be eligible to file a lawsuit based on a product liability theory.
Legal Claims and Lawsuits Involving the Bard PowerPort
As evidence mounts regarding the potential dangers of the PowerPort, a number of lawsuits have been filed by individuals and families affected by these issues. Legal claims allege that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the risks associated with the PowerPort but failed to properly warn doctors and patients.
Common Allegations in Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
In most cases, individuals who have filed lawsuits involving a Bard PowerPort injury have based their claims on several key allegations, including:
- Failure to Warn: Becton Dickinson is alleged to have failed to adequately warn the medical community and the public about the known risks associated with the PowerPort device, such as the potential for catheter fractures, infections, and blood clots.
- Negligence: The company may be accused of negligence in the design, testing, and manufacturing of the PowerPort.
- Breach of Warranty: Injured parties allege that Becton Dickinson may have breached its express or implied warranties regarding the safety and effectiveness of the PowerPort.
- Product Liability: A product liability claim asserts that the Bard PowerPort is inherently defective and dangerous, regardless of how it was used by healthcare providers or patients.
Who Is Eligible to File a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
Individuals who suffered complications or injuries related to the use of a PowerPort may be eligible to file a lawsuit if they meet certain criteria. Generally, individuals must have experienced one or more of the complications linked to the device, such as infections, blood clots, or a catheter fracture. Furthermore, potential claimants must demonstrate that the device directly caused or contributed to their injuries.
In many cases, the window to file a lawsuit may be limited by the statute of limitations, which varies by state. For this reason, it is important for anyone affected by a Bard PowerPort injury to contact an experienced product liability lawyer as soon as possible.
Compensation Available in Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
Individuals who are suffering from a Bard PowerPort injury may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatment required due to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If the injury caused time away from work, claimants may seek compensation for lost income, including both past and future wages if the injury impacts the ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Injured individuals may be compensated for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by their injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where Becton Dickinson’s conduct is found to be especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish the company and deter future wrongdoing.
Why Work with a Bard PowerPort Injury Lawyer?
Navigating a product liability case involving complex medical devices requires a deep understanding of both the law and medical science. Working with an experienced Bard PowerPort injury lawyer offers numerous advantages, including:
- Investigating the Case Thoroughly: A skilled lawyer can gather evidence to demonstrate how Bard PowerPort caused or contributed to the injuries in question. This may include reviewing medical records, consulting with experts, and investigating the device’s design and manufacturing history.
- Building a Strong Legal Argument: An attorney familiar with product liability cases can develop a compelling argument based on evidence, expert testimony, and case law to demonstrate the defendant’s liability.
- Handling All Legal Procedures: Product liability cases involve complex legal filings, negotiations with opposing parties, and potential litigation. An experienced lawyer will manage these procedures to give the injured person the best chance for a successful outcome.
- Maximizing Compensation: An attorney will work to ensure that the injured person receives fair compensation, taking into account all of the financial and personal losses associated with the injury.
Contact Kherkher Garcia’s Bard PowerPort Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or complication due to a PowerPort, or other defective medical device, Kherkher Garcia’s dedicated Bard PowerPort injury lawyers are here to help. We understand the pain, stress, and financial challenges that come with medical device injuries and are committed to seeking justice on your behalf.
Our team offers free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Let us provide the guidance and support you need to move forward and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to learn more about filing a Bard PowerPort lawsuit and securing the compensation you deserve. Call 713-333-1030, or complete our online contact form to get started.
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