What To Know About the Bard PowerPort Product Liability Lawsuit
The defective medical device attorneys at Bernheim Kelley are actively investigating Bard PowerPort lawsuit claims. The Bard PowerPort™ Implantable Port is a catheter that delivers medication and fluids directly into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, serious questions have been raised about the safety of these devices.
If you or your loved one developed injuries or complications related to a defective Bard PowerPort catheter, call 617-420-1111 or contact our product liability attorneys online today to learn more about the Bard PowerPort lawsuit. Initial consultations are FREE and fully confidential.
The Real Deal: Is There a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit or Settlement?
- Bard PowerPort lawsuits claim certain implanted port catheters were defectively designed or made.
- Plaintiffs allege the devices can fracture, migrate, cause infections, contribute to blood clots, or lead to other serious complications.
- The federal Bard PowerPort litigation is centralized in MDL No. 3081 in the District of Arizona.
- No global Bard PowerPort settlement has been publicly announced as of May 2026.
- You may have a claim if you had a Bard PowerPort implanted and suffered serious complications that required significant medical treatment.
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FAQs About the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for product liability claims varies from state to state. But typically, you have 2 to 3 years from the date of injury or date of discovery. Wrongful death claims often have separate deadlines, but generally range from 1 to 3 years.
Don’t take your chances. Contact a defective product attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation and find out what your options are before time runs out.
As of May 2026, no global Bard PowerPort settlement has been publicly announced. Individual claims may still move forward, and additional bellwether trials are expected.
The Bard PowerPort is manufactured and sold by Bard Access Systems, Inc., a Utah-based corporation. Bard Access Systems, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company, also known as BD.
The Bard PowerPort lawsuit alleges that certain implanted port catheters were defectively designed or manufactured and that those defects caused serious injuries. Plaintiffs across the U.S. claim the devices can fracture, migrate, cause infections, contribute to blood clots, or lead to other severe complications.
These are product liability claims. In general, product liability law protects consumers, including patients who use medical devices, and allows injured people to seek compensation when a defective product causes harm.
If you or your loved one was harmed by a defective Bard PowerPort, you may be eligible to sue for personal injury and get compensation for your bills and suffering.
It’s still too early to know the average Bard PowerPort settlement amount. As of May 2026, no global Bard PowerPort settlement has been publicly announced.
The potential value of a Bard PowerPort case depends on several factors, including the following:
- Specific device involved
- Severity of the injury
- Treatment required
- Lost income
- Long-term health effects
- How the complication changed your life
It’s important to note that victims who have sustained serious harm due to a defective medical device have the right to seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Filing a Bard PowerPort lawsuit starts with getting clear on what happened, what device was implanted, and whether the evidence supports a product liability claim. A Bard PowerPort attorney can help you:
- Review the timeline of your implant, complications, diagnosis & treatment
- Confirm the statute of limitations and other legal deadlines that apply to your claim
- Identify the Bard device by model, lot, serial number, product records, medical records, or explant paperwork
- Determine the responsible parties, which may include the manufacturer, distributor, or another company involved with the device
- Gather the evidence needed to support the claim, including medical records, imaging, surgical reports, device records & treatment documentation
- Evaluate the injuries, damages & long-term impact of the complication
- Prepare & file the legal complaint in the proper court if your case qualifies
Our team can walk you through this process, explain each step, and help you understand what comes next.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Update: 2026 Status
- The federal Bard PowerPort litigation is centralized in MDL No. 3081 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
- In August 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized Bard implanted port catheter cases in Arizona for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.
- As of May 2026, the JPML reported 3,187 actions pending and 3,384 total historical actions in the MDL.
- The first Bard PowerPort bellwether trial, known as the Cook case, began in April 2026 and ended in May 2026. Bard prevailed on several claims, but jurors did not reach a unanimous verdict on the design-defect claim.
- Litigation is still moving forward, and additional bellwether trials are expected, including cases involving different alleged injuries such as infection, fracture, and thrombosis.
- No global Bard PowerPort settlement has been reached as of May 2026.
Who Qualifies for a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
You may have a Bard PowerPort claim if you had a Bard PowerPort or related Bard implantable port catheter and suffered serious complications that required significant medical treatment.
To qualify, we’ll need to be able to prove the following:
- You received a Bard PowerPort, PowerPort ClearVUE, SlimPort, Groshong, or another Bard implantable port catheter.
- It was implanted on or after January 1, 2000.
- You experienced a serious complication, such as catheter migration, infection, sepsis, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, or another serious injury listed below
- Significant medical treatment was necessary, such as an emergency room visit, hospitalization, surgical removal or revision, or attempted removal
Asymptomatic findings alone are generally not enough to qualify.
As with other defective medical device claims, these cases are complex. But you don’t have to handle the process on your own. Consult with the experienced Bard PowerPort lawyers at Bernheim Kelley. We can review your records, answer your questions, and help you understand whether you have a claim.
What Complications & Injuries Are Linked to the Bard PowerPort?
The fracturing and/or migration of the Bard PowerPort is a very serious issue that can result in severe or even life-threatening medical complications.
Qualifying injuries include one or more of the following:
- Catheter fragment migration to the heart, lungs, or elsewhere in the blood vessels
- Bloodstream infection or sepsis
- Deep vein thrombosis or another blood clot
- Organ damage
- Pulmonary embolism
- Stroke or cardiac injury, including arrhythmia, perforation, or tamponade
- Vessel or organ perforation
- Port erosion through the skin
Which Bard Port Devices May Qualify for a Lawsuit?
Lawsuits have involved several Bard PowerPort models, including devices in the PowerPort ClearVUE line and PowerPort ISP devices. If you suffered medical complications after receiving one of the devices below, Bernheim Kelley is reviewing claims and can help determine whether your device may be involved.
Devices include:
- PowerPort Implantable Port
- PowerPort ClearVUE isp Implantable Port
- PowerPort ClearVUE Slim Implantable Port
- PowerPort ClearVUE Implantable Port
- PowerPort M.R.I. Implantable Port
- PowerPort duo M.R.I. Implantable Port
- Bard PowerPort isp M.R.I. Implantable Port
- PowerPort isp Implantable Port
- Bard PowerPort Slim Implantable Port
- SlimPort devices
- Groshong port devices
- Other Bard polyurethane or silicone implantable port catheter models
This is not a complete list. If you had a Bard implantable port catheter and later suffered serious complications, Bernheim Kelley can review your records and let you know whether your device is part of the current litigation.
What Evidence Can Help Your Case?
Medical records are one of the most important parts of a Bard PowerPort lawsuit. Bernheim Kelley can help gather and review your records to understand what happened and whether you may have a claim.
Important documentation can include:
- Surgical or operative report confirming implantation of a Bard port
- Device identification, including model, lot, or serial number
- Patient PowerPort ID card, hospital records, or explant paperwork
- Imaging, such as CT scans, X-rays, or echocardiograms, showing fracture, migration, or embolism
- Clinical records documenting the complication and treatment
- Explant pathology, if the device was removed
- Records showing emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgical removal, revision, or attempted removal
You don’t have to gather everything before calling. Bernheim Kelley can help identify what records are needed, request documentation, and review whether the evidence supports a claim.
What Is the Bard PowerPort Device?
BD describes the PowerPort™ Implantable Port as a power injectable port with a titanium port body. It functions as a vascular access device or a type of catheter. Simply put, it is a small medical device that doctors place under the skin to help deliver medication or fluids into the bloodstream.
The main components are as follows:
- An Injection Port: Used to insert the needle and administer medication.
- Polyurethane Catheter Tube: Used to move medication or fluids into the blood vessel.
A distinct feature of the injection port is a raised area that helps make medication delivery quicker. The medicine is then routed through a catheter in one of the main central veins, which leads directly to the heart.
Bard has promoted PowerPort as a superior option for patients. Unfortunately, very serious safety concerns have been raised about this medical device.
What Is Wrong with It?
While the Bard PowerPort is advertised as a more effective option for patients, some serious safety questions have come to light in recent years.
Here is the key issue: Product liability lawsuits allege that the material used in Bard PowerPort catheter tubes is susceptible to splitting, cracking, and shattering.
Notably, Bard PowerPort devices feature catheter tubing made from a pliable polyurethane polymer known as Chronoflex. Plaintiffs allege the material contains barium sulfate, which can weaken the structural integrity of polyurethane over time.
Here are some specific problems with the Bard PowerPort catheters:
- The Bard PowerPort is susceptible to fracturing.
- The catheter may migrate from its intended position.
Bard PowerPort Defects: Fractures, Migration, Infection & Blood Clots
The fracturing or migration of any medical device is a serious problem, and the Bard PowerPort catheter is certainly no exception. Here is the key thing to know about the risks:
What Is a Catheter Fracture & What Causes It?
A catheter fracture is a break or failure in the structure of a catheter (or catheter port). Fractures can be partial or complete and can absolutely lead to complications. These can include embolization, in which fragments travel through the bloodstream, or catheter malfunction.
Several factors contribute to catheter fractures:
- Repeated bending or stress at particular points of the catheter can cause material fatigue, leading to cracks or breaks.
- Poor quality or manufacturing defects can also lead to weakened areas in the catheter that are prone to failure.
What Is a Catheter Migration & What Causes It?
Catheter migration means the catheter moves from its original, optimal position within the body. This can lead to serious complications, such as reduced ability to deliver or withdraw fluids, discomfort, or even injury to surrounding tissues.
Several factors can contribute to catheter migration:
- Improper placement during insertion can cause the catheter to shift over time.
- Body movements, muscle contractions, or external pressure might also force the catheter to move from its intended location.
- The design of the catheter and the choice of anchoring techniques can play a significant role in maintaining its position.
Is the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit a Class Action or an MDL?
The Bard PowerPort litigation is not currently a class action. The federal cases are centralized in multidistrict litigation (MDL).
An MDL is different from a class action. In a class action, one lawsuit can represent a larger group of people. In an MDL, similar lawsuits are grouped together for pretrial proceedings, but each injured person keeps an individual claim.
That distinction is important because your injuries, treatment, medical history, device records, and damages may affect the value and direction of your case.
How to Assess Damages in a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
If you suffered medical complications because of a dangerous and defective Bard PowerPort catheter, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Assessing damages in a product liability lawsuit is a critical component that requires careful analysis and understanding of legal principles.
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Identify Actual (Economic) Damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred due to the defective product.
- Calculate Non-Economic Damages: Consider pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are often more subjective and may require expert testimony.
- Consider Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the defendant and deter future wrongdoing.
– you are in good hands!
Contact Our Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Attorneys Today
You don’t have to go up against a major corporation or its insurance company alone. At Bernheim Kelley, we’re committed to fighting for Real Justice for victims and their families. With more than $1 billion won for our clients over the years, you can breathe easy knowing we’ll go the extra mile to provide the highest standard legal representation and Real Advocacy.
If you or someone you love suffered serious complications after receiving a Bard PowerPort, you deserve answers and accountability. Bernheim Kelley is reviewing Bard PowerPort claims and helping people across the nation understand their rights and whether they have a case for compensation. And it costs you nothing to find out where you stand.
Call 617-420-1111 today or contact us online for a FREE, confidential case review.