Bard PowerPort Lawsuit: 2026 Update, Eligibility and How to File
Bard PowerPort lawsuits allege that manufacturing issues with some chemo ports caused serious injuries. According to legal filings, the company neglected to inform patients of risks like catheter fracture, blood clots, device migration, infection and more.
If you or your loved one suffered serious injuries after your Bard PowerPort device failed, you may be entitled to compensation. Get a free case review.
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Suffering from serious injuries after your Bard PowerPort device failed?
About 3,003 Bard PowerPort lawsuits are consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) 3081 as of March 2026. PowerPort lawsuits claim that ChronoFlex, the material Bard uses in the PowerPort, is defective and causes catheters to fracture and crack. Fractured catheters may lead to the device eroding through the skin, infections and blood clots, which can be fatal.
You may qualify to file a PowerPort lawsuit if you received a PowerPort catheter and suffered blood clots, infections, device fracture or erosion of the port through the skin. Drugwatch can connect you with an experienced attorney who can tell you if you qualify and can file your lawsuit.
Latest PowerPort Lawsuit Updates
The first PowerPort bellwether trial is scheduled for April 21, 2026, for Robert Cook’s catheter infection case. Bellwether trials help test core evidence on alleged device defects and injuries before a jury. The outcomes typically influence the rest of the litigation, including potential settlement negotiations.
“Bellwether trials are critical in litigation like this. They help both sides assess how juries are likely to respond to the evidence and expert testimony,” attorney Moshe Horn told Drugwatch.
Wanda Miller’s case was slated to be the second bellwether and begin on July 7, 2026, but she died on Feb. 2, 2026. The judge is supposed to receive an update on her case by March 6, 2026, and will decide whether her case will remain a bellwether.
Bellwether Trial Schedule
Case
Start Date
23-cv-01975 (Infection)
April 21, 2026
24-cv-00621 (Thrombosis)
July 7, 2026
24-cv-00680 (Infection)
August 18, 2026
23-cv-01627 (Fracture)
October 13, 2026
23-cv-01703 (Thrombosis)
December 1, 2026
23-cv-02557 (Infection)
February 2, 2027
As of March 2026, more than 3,003 Bard PowerPort lawsuits are consolidated in MDL 3081.
Judges decided to consolidate PowerPort lawsuits from across the country into MDL 3081 in Arizona before the Honorable David G. Campbell in August 2023. Judge Campbell also oversaw the former Bard IVC filter lawsuit MDL.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Timeline
March 5, 2026: In Big Win, First PowerPort Bellwether Survives Summary Judgment
The judge overseeing the PowerPort lawsuits has denied almost all parts of Bard's motion for summary judgment in the first bellwether trial. This is where Bard asks the judge to throw out claims and rule in its favor before a case can go before a jury. But that case will now advance to trial, with all major claims surviving the motion. This is a big win for people who have filed lawsuits.
March 3, 2026: July PowerPort Bellwether Trial Uncertain Following Plaintiff’s Death
The second bellwether trial plaintiff, Wanda Miller, died last month on Feb. 2, 2026, after battling cancer. Her trial is set for July 7, 2026, but it is uncertain if it will go ahead as planned. Lawyers from both sides have asked the court for guidance, but no decision has been issued yet. The judge set a deadline of March 6, 2026, for an update on her case. It’s possible a new bellwether case may be set.
In the meantime, the first bellwether for Robert Cook is still scheduled to continue, and the judge set a deadline of March 30, 2026, for deposition designations. Only 10 new cases were added to the MDL in February.
February 3, 2026: Dozens of New Cases Filed as First Trial Approaches
With the first PowerPort trial just a few months away, new lawsuits are continuing to come in. Over the last month, more than 100 new cases have been filed in the federal MDL. The trial, set for April, will be closely watched as its outcome could be significant for thousands of people who have filed lawsuits.
January 8, 2026: Key Year for PowerPort Lawsuits Arrives
At the start of 2026, more than 2,500 PowerPort lawsuits are pending in federal court. This is set to be a huge year for these cases, with bellwether trials slated to get underway in the near future and continue through December. The outcomes of those trials will be closely watched, as they could impact all cases.
December 2, 2025: Disagreements Arise Over PowerPort Trial Schedule
Both sides in the Bard PowerPort litigation have had disagreements over the scheduling of the upcoming bellwether trials. Lawyers representing people who have filed lawsuits have requested that the trials be reorganized to account for some scheduling issues, but the defendants are pushing to keep the current order intact despite those problems. We will have to wait and see what the judge decides.
Remember that the outcome of these trials can be critical to all cases. Bellwether trials help both sides better understand the strength of their arguments and can play a big role in influencing settlement negotiations.
November 14, 2025: PowerPort Trial Dates Pushed Back
The judge overseeing the PowerPort lawsuits has pushed back the start of the upcoming trials due to the number of pretrial motions that still require attention. The first case will now go before a jury in April, with the other trials scheduled to follow through February 2027.
November 6, 2025: Things Begin to Heat Up as Key Trial Approaches
The first bellwether trial for the Bard PowerPort lawsuits is now just a few months away. The defendants have now filed their motion for summary judgment, where they ask the judge to rule in their favor on the case before it advances to trial. This is a standard but important part of the MDL process. Both sides have also now filed motions seeking dismissal of the other side's expert testimony.
October 1, 2025: Number of Active PowerPort Lawsuits Remains Steady
The number of Bard PowerPort lawsuits has remained largely flat over the last month. There are currently 1,973 lawsuits pending in federal court, up by just one from a month ago.
September 18, 2025: Case Management Conference Today
A case management conference is scheduled for today, where both sides will discuss outstanding issues with the court. This conference comes as growth for these cases continues to accelerate. There are now more than 2,000 active PowerPort cases in the MDL. Additionally, nearly 150 cases are grouped together in New Jersey.
September 2, 2025: Big Jump in PowerPort Cases
At the start of September, more new Bard PowerPort lawsuits continue to be filed. There are now 1,972 active cases grouped together in federal court. This is an increase of more than 160 cases in just the last month alone.
August 18, 2025: Bellwether Trial Schedule Revealed
The schedule for the Bard PowerPort bellwether trials has been finalized. The first trial is set to begin on March 2, 2026. The six trials are staggered throughout 2026, with the final one scheduled for December of that year. Bellwether trials are a critical part of the MDL process. They help both sides understand the strength of their cases and can influence settlement negotiations.
August 5, 2025: Discovery Hearing Today
A discovery hearing was held today regarding testimony from experts and whether or not to cut a PowerPort catheter as part of the discovery process. The judge overseeing these cases has directed the parties to cut the catheter and take microscopic photos "to see if cutting does in fact introduce alterations to the catheter as Defendants fear."
August 1, 2025: More PowerPort Lawsuit Growth
At the start of this month, there were 1,807 active Bard PowerPort lawsuits grouped together in federal court. This is an increase of more than 40 cases from a month ago, with the litigation continuing to expand as the bellwether trials near.
July 15, 2025: Bellwether Trials Scheduled for 2026
The first Powerport bellwether trial will be held in February 2026, according to newly filed court documents. The judge overseeing these cases said that the plan is for the six bellwether trials to take place starting that month, with several weeks between each trial.
May 12, 2025: Six Bellwether Trials Selected
In a major step in the litigation, the judge overseeing the Powerport lawsuits has selected six cases to serve as bellwether trials. The goal was to settle on a diverse set of cases that represent the various injuries alleged in lawsuits in the MDL. The six lawsuits chosen meet those criteria. The first trial is likely to get underway sometime next year.
April 2025: Bellwether Cases Narrowing Down
Bellwether trials are inching closer to reality in the Bard Powerport MDL. Plaintiffs and defendants have each whittled their lists of bellwether cases to six. The parties only agree on one of those six cases so far, so there is still work to be done to finalize the bellwether group. A status conference is being held on May 1, where this issue will be discussed.
March 2025: Bellwether Selection Delayed
Following the most recent case management conference in the MDL, the selection of bellwether trials has been delayed by two weeks. Selections are now expected to be made by both parties in late April.
Bard PowerPort litigation has also continued to grow this month. Over 100 new cases were added to the MDL this month. There are now well over 1,000 active cases pending in multidistrict litigation.
January 2025: 30-Day Extension to Narrow Bellwether List
The court has approved an extension of “approximately 30 days” before parties in the MDL need to further narrow down the list of possible bellwether cases. Fifteen cases were selected last month, and parties are now set to exchange lists of six proposed options by April 7. This moderate delay should not significantly hinder the bellwether process.
November 2024: Judge Denies Discovery Extension
The MDL judge has rejected a request from plaintiffs to extend the discovery schedule. Plaintiffs had hoped to have fact discovery extended by two months into March, citing the loss of time to complete depositions during the upcoming holiday season. The court said it will revisit the request at the next case management conference, scheduled for early December. But, for now, the current schedule will remain in place.
The MDL has also continued to expand, adding nearly 200 new cases over the last month. There are now 720 pending lawsuits.
October 2024: MDL Growth
The Arizona-based MDL has seen notable growth in recent months, increasing from 299 active cases in July to 521 in October. We are continuing to monitor updates in the ongoing litigation.
July 2024: Discovery Updates
U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell met with lawyers to discuss discovery for 24 Bard PowerPort bellwether trials. He was expected to soon issue an order scheduling the first trials, with the next status conference on Aug. 16, 2024.
May 2024: Status Conference Scheduled
Defendants requested additional medical records on several plaintiffs that may be considered for bellwether test trials. Without these records, they will be excluded from the trial pool. Another status conference was scheduled.
April 2024: Bard’s Delay Request Denied
Federal Judge David G. Campbell turned down Bard's request to delay bellwether trials. The judge ordered attorneys for both sides to stick to the schedule and have candidate cases for bellwether trials submitted to the court by July 1, 2024.
February 2024: MDL Case Transfer
A handful of lawsuits were transferred from state courts in Colorado, New Jersey and Texas into the MDL. No trials had been scheduled.
December 2023: Hearings Scheduled
The Arizona MDL was still in the initial stages. Judge David G. Campbell issued several case management orders to set the groundwork for procedures going forward. Judges on the MDL panel had a hearing scheduled in January 2024 regarding transferring more cases into the MDL.
October 2023: Thousands of Cases Have Been Filed
As of Oct. 19, 2023, there were no Bard PowerPort pending lawsuits in the MDL, but 8,689 cases had been filed, including a product liability lawsuit filed by a Maryland cancer patient.
August 2023: MDL Transfer Ordered
Plaintiffs filed more than 50 Bard PowerPort lawsuits. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order on Aug. 8, 2023, to centralize all claims. The proceedings were set to go before U.S. District Court Judge David G. Campbell of the District of Arizona.
May 2023: Petition for MDL
Personal injury and wrongful death claims escalated and courts petitioned to centralize claims. Unlike class-action claims, lawsuits centralized in multidistrict litigation remain individual cases and each plaintiff presents their own damages.
April 2023: Lawsuits Claim Injuries From Bard PowerPort Devices
Lawsuits against the makers of the Bard PowerPort catheter device claimed the access system caused multiple injuries due to cracking and fracturing. Patients with the device had an increased risk of blood clots, internal damage and infection.
March 2020: PowerPort Recall Issued
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a recall notice for several Bard PowerPort models because the devices contained incorrect tunneler tips.
PowerPort lawsuits are about claims that the chemo port catheter designs are defective and Bard failed to warn doctors and plaintiffs about PowerPort complications such as catheter fracture, erosion or migration, as well as infection or blood clots (thrombosis).
“Bard PowerPort injuries result in numerous damages to potential victims, including sustaining medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages or lost earning capacity, permanent disability, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and other compensatory damages,” said attorney Brendan Smith of Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Design Defect Claims
Design defect claims say excessive levels of barium sulfate in the tubing weaken PowerPort catheters, making them more likely to fracture and crack, leading to damage. Bard and its parent company, Becton Dickinson, knew or should have known of the risk of injuries resulting from these design defects, according to lawsuits.
The FDA’s MAUDE database includes 438 reports of PowerPort complications between Dec. 1, 2025, and Feb. 28, 2026 alone.
Failure to Warn
Lawsuits allege Bard failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risk that PowerPort catheters can fracture. Despite more than 400 reports of problems from December 2025 to February 2026, there have been no Bard PowerPort or FDA recalls linked to deterioration of barium sulfate catheters.
In a 2023 statement, Becton Dickinson said it didn’t find any new safety risks after the MDL was announced. The company said it clearly communicated the risks and benefits of the PowerPort.
Do You Qualify for a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort lawsuit if your doctor implanted a Bard PowerPort device and you experienced a related injury. Only a licensed attorney can tell you if you are eligible.
Qualifying Conditions (All Three Required)
Device and Implant date: PowerPort, Port-a-Cath, or Chemo Port implanted on or after January 1, 2000
Qualifying injury (at least one): Catheter fracture or breakage; device infection, including sepsis; thrombosis (blood clots); erosion or device migration
Device Action: Port was removed, removal was attempted, port was replaced or cannot be removed
A Bard PowerPort lawyer may ask about your experiences after you received the device. Make sure to have a record of your symptoms and medical issues with you when you speak to an attorney. If you aren’t sure about your diagnosis, a lawyer may be able to help you obtain medical records.
PowerPort Injuries That Support a Lawsuit Claim
PowerPort injuries supported in lawsuits include catheter fracture, infection, blood clots and device erosion. In the first six cases set for bellwether trials, three plaintiffs claimed infections, two claimed blood clots and one claimed a catheter fracture.
Catheter Fracture
When a catheter fractures, the fragments can travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing heart problems. If fluid accumulates around the heart, it causes a condition called cardiac tamponade. This may lead to pressure that prevents the heart from pumping blood correctly. Cardiac tamponade can lead to death or organ failure if not treated right away.
Bellwether plaintiff Kimberly Divelbliss suffered extreme chest pain, and after she went to the ER, medical providers found a seven-inch section of fractured catheter lodged in the right atrium of her heart.
Infection and Sepsis
Catheters damaged by excessive levels of barium sulfate may form cracks and roughened surfaces. These cracks can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infection, including sepsis — a dangerous blood infection.
PowerPort bellwether trials for Robert Cook (first trial), May Lattanzio (third trial) and Lloyd Sorensen (sixth trial) are infection cases. Cook received the PowerPort for cancer treatment. After it became infected, he had to have a PICC line inserted for antibiotics and underwent surgery for port removal.
Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Blood clots (thrombosis) can form around the device and potentially travel to the lungs. Clots that travel to the lung are called pulmonary embolisms, and these are medical emergencies. Bellwether plaintiffs Wanda Miller and Judy Hicks suffered blood clots.
The FDA’s MAUDE database includes adverse event reports of 122 blood clots and 17 pulmonary embolisms related to the Bard PowerPort from Dec. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026.
Erosion and Device Migration
Damaged catheters can move from their original implant site (migration) and damage other organs. In some cases, they may erode through the skin. This requires surgical intervention and could cause permanent damage.
“We’re seeing cases involving bloodstream infections, blood clots, organ punctures, and in some instances, permanent nerve or cardiac damage. These aren’t minor issues. They can require surgery, long-term care, and in the worst cases, they’ve been life-threatening.”
Expert Perspectives on Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
Drugwatch Analysis (March 2026)
The MDL is preparing for its first bellwether trial in April. Five more are scheduled through February 2027. Bellwether trials can determine the strength of plaintiffs’ cases and sometimes lead to settlements, even before a case goes to trial.
Drugwatch believes these events mark major milestones in the Bard PowerPort litigation. For affected patients, this phase will be significant in determining liability, accountability and the potential for settlements.
Dr. Lee S. Marcus
Board-Certified Cardiologist, CEO of Impact Health
Medical Perspective of Dr. Lee S. Marcus, Cardiologist
“I had a 58-year-old patient whose PowerPort developed a fibrin sheath that wasn’t detected for months during her ovarian cancer treatment. When she finally presented with chest pain and shortness of breath, her CT scan revealed massive bilateral pulmonary emboli that required emergency anticoagulation and nearly cost her life. The oncology team had been attributing her fatigue to chemotherapy side effects.
What makes PowerPort failures particularly insidious from a cardiac perspective is that patients often dismiss early warning signs as cancer-related symptoms. I’ve documented cases where device malfunction caused superior vena cava syndrome, presenting as facial swelling and neck vein distension that patients and even some physicians initially attributed to cancer progression rather than device failure.”
Edward Hones
Attorney
Attorney Edward Hones Explains What to Expect in a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
“One of the most significant legal challenges in Bard PowerPort lawsuits is establishing clear causation between the device defect and the patient’s injuries. Manufacturers often argue that complications are due to underlying health conditions or improper use rather than a flaw in the device itself. Plaintiffs also face hurdles with the sheer complexity of medical evidence, since these cases usually require expert testimony from both medical and engineering professionals.
To prove liability, attorneys typically focus on showing that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the risks and failed to warn physicians and patients adequately. This often involves digging into internal company documents, FDA reports and patterns of adverse event filings to establish that knowledge. The strategy is to demonstrate that the risks were not only foreseeable but preventable if the company had acted responsibly.”
How To File a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
If you were impacted by a PowerPort device and want to file a lawsuit, Drugwatch can assist you. We partner with trusted law firms to ensure you get the support and resources you need to pursue justice.
Steps to Take
Gather medical documentation: Records confirming PowerPort implant date, injury type and any removal or treatment records
Document your experience: Symptoms, dates, hospital visits and any communications with your doctor about device failure
Contact a PowerPort attorney: Most firms offer free case reviews with no obligation; they evaluate your records against MDL criteria
Understand the timeline: Statutes of limitations vary by state; acting sooner preserves your options
Your lawyer should explain the entire litigation process. They’ll help you file your complaint in court and negotiate your settlement. They’ll fight for you in court if your case goes to trial.
What to Expect After Filing
After filing a PowerPort lawsuit, your case will likely be consolidated into MDL 3081 in the District of Arizona.
Bellwether cases have already been selected, so your lawyer will likely prepare your claim to negotiate for a settlement if Bard offers one. It’s important to note that settlements are never guaranteed. Results of the upcoming bellwether trials will affect potential settlements.
PowerPort Lawsuit Settlement Amounts and What to Expect
So far, no global PowerPort lawsuit settlement has been reached as of March 2026.
Based on our industry research, lawyers representing plaintiffs in the Bard PowerPort litigation estimate that the individual payouts of a settlement could start at $10,000 and could reach nearly $1,000,000, on the higher end. Keep in mind, these estimates are speculative and can vary, and no settlement amount is guaranteed.
Important considerations when evaluating potential settlements include bellwether trials and factors that affect individual settlements.
How Bellwether Trials Affect Settlements
Upcoming bellwether trials, starting with Cook v. Becton Dickinson, will determine how strong the evidence is and whether Bard/Becton Dickinson is willing to pay in a settlement.
“These early [bellwether] trials can establish benchmarks for liability and damages, which often drives broader settlement discussions. The outcomes may not determine every case, but they absolutely shape the path forward,” Horn told Drugwatch.
Factors That Affect Individual Device Lawsuit Settlement Values
Factors that can affect individual settlement values include Injury severity, whether the device was removed, length of medical treatment, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering can increase or decrease settlement values.
Generally, the more serious the injury and the higher the financial damages, the larger the settlement will be. For example, infection-only cases could have a settlement range between $30,000 and $100,000, but catheter fracture cases where other organs are damaged may have a potential settlement range of $175,000 to $350,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About PowerPort Lawsuits
You may qualify if you were implanted with a PowerPort in January 1, 2000, or later and suffered a catheter fracture, infection, thrombosis or erosion. Or you may qualify if your device was removed, replaced or attempted to be removed. Get a free case review with Drugwatch to see if you qualify.
MDL 3081 consolidates PowerPort lawsuits from across the country in the District of Arizona. It consolidates pretrial proceedings but keeps each case as an individual claim. The MDL was formed in August 2023 in the District of Arizona, and the results of bellwether trials inform global settlement negotiations.
The first trial, Cook v. Becton Dickinson, starts on April 21, 2026. This case is an infection case, and five additional trials with various injuries are set to start through February 2, 2027.
Bard/Becton Diskonson and plaintiffs haven’t reached a global settlement yet. PowerPort settlement value depends on damages such as injury severity, medical costs and lost wages. Bellwether trials beginning in April 2026 will be the primary signal for settlement values.
Deadlines called statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 2–4 years from injury or discovery of the injury. If you get a free case review, lawyers will be able to explain specific deadlines for your case.
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“We’re seeing cases involving bloodstream infections, blood clots, organ punctures, and in some instances, permanent nerve or cardiac damage. These aren’t minor issues. They can require surgery, long-term care, and in the worst cases, they’ve been life-threatening.”
