Introduction
The Bard Power Port lawsuit is rapidly gaining momentum as one of the most serious emerging medical device litigations in the United States. Thousands of patients across the country are reporting severe complications—including catheter fractures, device migration, and life-threatening infections—after being implanted with Bard Power Port devices. These patients, many of whom are undergoing cancer treatments or long-term infusion therapies, trusted the device to be a safe, reliable vascular access solution. Instead, they now face a host of medical complications, revision surgeries, and, in some tragic cases, wrongful death.
With an increasing number of filings consolidated under a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), the legal landscape is evolving quickly. For law firms involved in medical device litigation, the Bard Power Port cases demand a high level of documentation precision, medical insight, and coordinated litigation strategy. In this article, we summarize the latest developments, eligibility criteria for plaintiffs, and how Trivent Legal is helping attorneys build defensible, evidence-based cases.
Bard Power Port Lawsuit Timeline: Latest Legal Developments
April 2023 – Federal MDL Formed
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized all Bard Power Port lawsuits into MDL No. 3081, assigned to Judge David G. Campbell in the District of Arizona. This move streamlined the handling of pretrial proceedings, discovery, and bellwether trials for what is expected to become a large volume of device injury cases.
May 2023 – Over 100 Cases Transferred
Within a month of MDL formation, more than 100 lawsuits were transferred to the centralized docket. The early filings alleged a pattern of catheter fractures, infections, and embolisms, all attributed to device malfunction and design defects.
August 2023 – Discovery of Internal Testing Requests
Plaintiffs’ attorneys requested access to Bard’s internal testing and quality assurance data, especially documentation regarding fracture rates and material durability. These documents could prove vital in establishing prior knowledge of product flaws.
November 2023 – FDA Monitoring
The FDA publicly acknowledged that it is reviewing adverse event reports linked to Bard Power Port failures. Although the agency has not yet issued a recall, its involvement signals a growing concern about the safety profile of the device.
February 2024 – Expert Analysis Entered Into Record
Expert witnesses submitted detailed evaluations of fracture patterns and catheter degradation, supporting claims that the device’s materials are prone to failure under typical clinical use.
June 2024 – Bellwether Selection Process Begins
The MDL entered the bellwether selection phase, with the first trial cases being evaluated for early resolution or trial in early 2025. These test cases will likely set precedent for future settlement negotiations and litigation strategies.
What is the Bard Power Port and Why Is It Under Legal Scrutiny?
The Bard Power Port is a type of implantable port catheter system used primarily for patients needing frequent or long-term venous access. It is commonly utilized for chemotherapy, blood transfusions, antibiotic administration, and nutrient infusion.
Key Allegations in Lawsuits Include:
- Design Defect: The catheter tubing may become brittle, leading to fractures and dislodgement.
- Material Degradation: Device components can break down inside the body, resulting in infections and organ damage.
- Migration: Broken catheter fragments may travel through the bloodstream, causing embolisms or internal trauma.
- Failure to Warn: Bard allegedly failed to adequately disclose the known risks associated with their devices to patients and physicians.
These complications often necessitate emergency surgical removal, prolonged hospitalization, and aggressive infection control, adding emotional, physical, and financial burdens to already vulnerable patients.
Who Qualifies to File a Bard Power Port Lawsuit?
Patients or their loved ones may be eligible to file a claim if:
- They received a Bard Power Port or related product (such as PowerPort® ClearVUE, PowerPort® MRI, or SlimPort®)
- They experienced one or more of the following complications:
- Catheter fracture or device disintegration
- Device migration resulting in embolism or cardiac injury
- Severe infections, including sepsis or endocarditis
- Blood clots, DVT, or pulmonary embolism
- Emergency revision or surgical removal
- They have medical documentation confirming both the implant and subsequent injury
- There was no prior warning of risks disclosed by the manufacturer
Common Injuries Cited in Bard Power Port Lawsuits
Several life-altering injuries have been documented across active lawsuits and adverse event reports, including:
- Device Fracture: Pieces of the catheter tubing can break off and travel to the lungs or heart, potentially requiring open-heart surgery.
- Sepsis or Bloodstream Infection: Bacterial buildup on a fractured or degraded device can lead to severe infection.
- Thrombosis and Embolism: Detached fragments can cause blood clots or obstruct veins and arteries.
- Perforation or Tissue Damage: Migrated fragments may puncture vital organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure.
- Chronic Pain: Many patients report persistent pain or swelling near the implant site.
- Death: In the most severe cases, complications have led to septic shock or fatal embolisms.
Wrongful Death Claims
Family members who lost loved ones due to complications from a Bard Power Port may be eligible to file wrongful death claims. These lawsuits often seek compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and income
Has There Been a Bard Power Port Recall?
As of mid-2024, no official FDA recall has been issued for the Bard Power Port. However:
- The FDA has acknowledged multiple adverse event reports
- Independent clinical studies have questioned the durability and safety of Bard’s polyurethane-based materials
- Internal company investigations may be ongoing
Industry analysts suggest that a recall or stronger regulatory action may still occur, particularly if upcoming bellwether trials uncover significant safety issues.
Expected Settlement Values in Bard Power Port Lawsuits
While no global settlements have been reached yet, mass tort experts project settlement ranges to fall between:
- $100,000 – $250,000 for moderate injuries with limited long-term consequences
- $250,000 – $500,000+ for severe injuries, surgical complications, or ongoing health impacts
- $500,000+ for wrongful death or permanent disability cases
Settlement value is likely to depend on:
- Medical proof of injury
- Documentation of device failure
- Proof of revision or corrective procedures
- Impact on the patient’s quality of life
How Long Will Bard Power Port Lawsuits Take to Resolve?
These cases are currently in the early-to-mid phase of MDL proceedings. Based on similar device-related MDLs, a timeline of 24 to 36 months from filing to resolution is realistic. Bellwether trials in 2025 may accelerate settlements for cases with strong documentation and clear causation.
How Trivent Legal Supports Law Firms in Bard Power Port Litigation
At Trivent Legal, we specialize in litigation-ready documentation that simplifies case preparation, strengthens claims, and supports successful outcomes for plaintiffs. Here’s how we help law firms manage Bard Power Port cases:
1. Medical Record Retrieval and Review
- HIPAA-compliant retrieval from hospitals, clinics, and surgeons
- Organized document sets including implant records, imaging studies, and lab reports
2. Medical Chronologies
- Structured timelines connecting device implantation, symptom onset, complications, and interventions
- Clear visual mapping for attorneys, medical experts, and juries
3. Implant Tracking and Product ID Reports
- Cross-referencing device model and lot numbers with known complication reports
- Supporting claims of defective manufacturing batches
4. Expert Commentary Integration
- Clinical insights on standard of care deviations, material breakdown, and medical consequences
- Bolsters expert witness reports and trial readiness
5. Cost Projections and Damage Assessments
- Future care needs, including revision surgeries, home care, and rehabilitation
- Economic loss estimates supporting demand packages or settlement negotiations
Whether your firm is onboarding new clients or preparing for trial, Trivent Legal equips you with defensible, accurate documentation that streamlines litigation and enhances your success rate.
FAQs on Bard Power Port Lawsuits
What devices are included in the lawsuit?
Devices under scrutiny include:
- PowerPort® ClearVUE®
- PowerPort® MRI™
- PowerPort® SlimPort®
- Other Bard-manufactured port catheter systems
What documentation is needed?
Essential documentation includes:
- Operative reports confirming device type and implant date
- Medical records indicating complications
- Imaging reports confirming fracture or migration
- Procedure notes for revision or removal
Can law firms still take Bard Power Port cases?
Yes. The MDL is active, and law firms are continuing to accept new claimants who meet eligibility criteria.
Is there a statute of limitations?
Statutes vary by state (typically 2–3 years from injury or discovery). Early action is advised to preserve legal rights.
Conclusion
The Bard Power Port lawsuit represents a critical moment in medical device litigation. As cases mount and bellwether trials approach, law firms must act with urgency and precision to support injured clients. The success of these cases hinges on detailed documentation, expert analysis, and streamlined case preparation.
Trivent Legal stands ready to help law firms navigate this complex litigation landscape. With deep experience in product liability and medical record analysis, we turn medical complexity into compelling legal narratives—supporting justice for patients harmed by defective medical devices.