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For years, millions of people have relied on Bard PowerPort medical devices for the delivery of medications to their vascular systems. However, some users allege that the popular product line comes with hidden dangers. Plaintiffs argue Bard knew their PowerPort design was fatally flawed yet continued distributing the dangerous devices.
What is the Bard PowerPort lawsuit all about? What is the settlement amount for the Bard PowerPort lawsuit? Let us find out.
What is a Bard PowerPort, After All?
The Bard PowerPort is a medical device implanted under the skin and designed to administer intravenous fluids or medication.
It is commonly referred to as an implantable vascular access port and is frequently utilized for chemotherapy treatments. This device is manufactured by Bard Access Systems Inc., a subsidiary company owned by Becton, Dickinson, and Company.
The Bard PowerPort is constructed using a combination of titanium and plastic materials for its outer casing. The catheter component is made from a specialized polyurethane blend called ChronoFlex AL, which incorporates barium sulfate to enhance visibility during imaging procedures.
A silicone septum serves as the access point for introducing medications or fluids into the device.
The implant allows the medication that needs to be given to enter the bloodstream directly by connecting to a catheter that is placed into a large vein. The device provides a long-lasting and convenient intravenous access point and is surgically inserted beneath the skin, commonly in the arm or chest region.
Quick Overview of Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
The Bard PowerPort lawsuit asserts that certain models of the Bard PowerPort catheter contain defects that can result in severe injuries and medical complications. Plaintiffs argue that parts of the catheter port and tubing are prone to fracturing and migrating within the body, leading to harm.
Injuries attributed to the Bard PowerPort device, as outlined by TorHoerman Law, encompass a range of complications. These include catheter fractures, migration of broken catheter pieces, and deep vein thrombosis, among others. Additional risks involve damage to veins and blood vessels, infections, blood clots, punctures to arteries or the heart, and pulmonary embolisms.
When catheters fracture, the broken pieces can circulate through the bloodstream and cause significant internal damage, often requiring emergency surgery to remove fragments and treat affected organs.
Reported issues related to fractures involve arrhythmias, lung blockages from blood clots, cardiac punctures, hematomas, and tears to blood vessels.
Plaintiffs further contend that infections linked to the PowerPort can cause serious complications if left untreated. An infection may make it more difficult for the body to fight pathogens near the catheter. Alleged infection-related injuries involve sepsis, swelling and soreness where the device is implanted, and tissue death around the PowerPort site.
Potential Bard PowerPort Settlement Amount Ranges
There have not been any finalized settlements or verdicts reached in the Bard PowerPort lawsuits yet, as the litigation is still in its early stages. Attorneys involved estimate potential settlement payouts could range quite a bit, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual case.
Estimates suggest that if cases are resolved prior to going to trial, settlement amounts may range from $10,000 to $250,000 or more. Factors like the nature of a plaintiff's injuries, the severity of complications experienced, medical bills incurred, and other damages claimed would all influence where within that range a settlement may land.
More severe injuries or tragic outcomes, such as loss of life, could potentially settle for amounts higher than $250,000. However, there are no guarantees - settlement values will depend a great deal on how strong the evidence and claims are viewed based on each plaintiff's individual experience.
As these cases have yet to be litigated fully or reach any final verdicts, the true potential value of claims and payouts remains to be seen. The estimates provided by attorneys should be viewed as preliminary indications rather than definitive projections.
FAQs
1. Is the Bard PowerPort safe?
A: The Bard PowerPort may pose risks due to design and manufacturing flaws. This increases the likelihood of fracturing and migrating, which can result in serious injuries such as internal vascular damage.
2. What is the typical duration for a power port to remain in place?
A: Your healthcare provider will determine if your port is power-injectable. Generally, the port can remain in place for the duration of your intravenous (IV) treatment, provided it functions properly and remains free from infection. Your doctor will remove the port when it's no longer necessary.
3. Can a port lead to nerve damage?
A: There's a possibility of peripheral neuropathy occurring due to the port or the surgical procedure for its installation. Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the central nervous system, and treatment outcomes vary depending on individual cases.
While the specifics are still unknown, this settlement provides relief for those harmed by alleged defects in Bard PowerPorts. However, it does not undo the physical and emotional toll of their experiences. Going forward, we must ensure medical device manufacturers prioritize patient safety through rigorous testing and oversight.
Only then can we better protect public health and honor those affected by medical errors or oversights. Though monetary compensation cannot undo the harm, this resolution offers accountability. More remains to be done to prevent future injuries and build trust in our healthcare system.