Why Are People Filing Bard PowerPort Lawsuits: Q&A With Attorney Brendan Smith
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Lawsuits against Bard (now Becton, Dickinson and Company) claim that the company failed to warn the public about serious complications related to their PowerPort implantable catheter. As of March 2025, the Bard PowerPort MDL includes about 1,112 active pending lawsuits in Arizona.
The Bard PowerPort catheter is an implantable medical device designed to provide central venous access for treatments like chemotherapy or long-term medication. It also delivers intravenous fluids and nutrition. Bard issued a recall in October 2019 because some of the catheters contained the wrong tips and could make operations last longer.
Plaintiffs state that the PowerPort’s tubing can break, leading to plastic fragments entering the bloodstream and causing infection, blood clots, heart issues and other medical crises.
In this interview, attorney Brendan Smith of the award-winning Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm discusses what PowerPort lawsuits are about, who can file a suit and what to expect from this litigation in 2025.
Q: Why are people filing Bard PowerPort lawsuits?
Lawsuits allege that the device can lead to serious complications, such as infections, blood clots, migrations and fractures of the port or its catheter. Plaintiffs claim that the product was not adequately tested and that the manufacturer failed to warn users about these increased risks.
Q: What kind of evidence is being presented in PowerPort lawsuits linking the device to blood clots and other complications?
Evidence typically includes detailed medical records showing instances of infections, thrombosis, device migration or breakage. Expert testimony from doctors will aim to highlight how the device’s materials and design may fail under certain conditions. In addition, data from adverse event reports submitted to the FDA will be cited to demonstrate patterns of similar complications connected to the Bard PowerPort.
Q: What kind of PowerPort recalls have there been, if any?
The FDA has issued safety notices and voluntary recalls on certain batches of PowerPort and similar devices. To determine if a particular PowerPort falls under such notice, you can check the FDA’s recall database or consult with a medical professional.
Q: Who qualifies to file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
Individuals may qualify if they received a Bard PowerPort and later developed complications such as device fracture, migration, infection or severe blood clots that required significant medical intervention. Determining eligibility often involves reviewing medical records, confirming the product’s identity and assessing any potential statute of limitations concerns.
Q: How have injuries from these devices affected your clients’ lives?
Many patients have had to endure additional surgeries to remove or replace defective ports, prolonging their treatment plans and creating new medical risks. Unexpected injuries can result in lengthy hospital stays, hefty medical expenses and emotional distress. In serious cases, complications have caused lasting health issues that change the patient’s overall quality of life.
Q: What can we expect to see in Bard PowerPort litigation in 2025?
The case volume continues to grow into the thousands, while the litigation will be highlighted by the first bellwether trial that could be scheduled to begin towards the end of the year. As more information comes to light during discovery leading up to the first trial, there will be increased scrutiny over the device’s design and manufacturing processes. These trials will likely shape the direction of future potential settlements.
Q: What is the most important thing people should know about the PowerPort lawsuits?
People who suspect that their Bard PowerPort caused serious health issues should take immediate steps to document their medical treatment and consult with legal counsel. Statutes of limitations can vary widely, so timely action is critical. Having thorough records of when the device was implanted, any complications that arose and the treatments that followed can significantly strengthen a claim.
