Understanding Chemo Port Lawsuits: Q&A with Attorney Brendan Smith

Thousands of patients rely on implanted chemo ports like the Bard® PowerPort™ to deliver lifesaving medications. These devices are supposed to provide a safe, reliable way to administer chemotherapy without repeated needle sticks.

But when the Bard PowerPort or another chemo port instead cracks, fractures, or migrates inside the body, the consequences can be devastating. Already, families nationwide have turned to taking legal action to seek justice from the dangerous device’s manufacturer.

We spoke with attorney Brendan Smith, a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, to help patients understand their legal options, the settlement amounts chemo port lawsuits may yield, and what to expect when pursuing a claim.

What health problems have been linked to Bard port catheters?

We’re seeing a consistent pattern of serious complications linked to Bard PowerPort and similar port-a-cath devices. In this litigation, plaintiffs allege the catheter material can degrade over time, increasing the risk of fracture, migration, or other complications.

Clients I’ve worked with have suffered bloodstream infections, blood clots, vessel damage, cardiac complications, and pulmonary embolisms from these failures. Some have also needed emergency surgery to retrieve broken catheter pieces.

In the most severe cases, device failure can cause long-term organ damage or become life-threatening. No patient receiving cancer treatment should have to face risks like these.

Who is eligible to file a Bard port catheter lawsuit?

You may qualify to file a port catheter lawsuit if you or somebody you love suffered an undue injury or complication from a faulty Bard PowerPort or similar device. Most cases involve catheter fracture, ports migrating or moving inside the body, infections, or blood clotting issues that required medical treatment or the removal of the port.

Eligibility generally comes down to being implanted with a qualifying device that malfunctioned and caused injury. Even if you’re not sure whether your port was part of a recalled or defective product line, be sure to reach out. An attorney can review your medical records and confirm your eligibility, answering any questions you may have along the way.

What evidence is needed for a port catheter lawsuit?

The most important pieces of evidence are your medical records, like imaging studies, surgical notes, infection reports, and documentation of any ER visits or procedures. These records help show exactly how your chemo port failed and what harm it caused you.

We also collect details about the specific model of port you received and when it was implanted. In many cases, we’ll consult medical experts to explain why your device failed and how your injuries connect to that failure.

You don’t have to gather any evidence yourself — our legal team can request and organize these documents on your behalf. That includes working to build your case, prove how companies harmed you, and pursue justice for what happened.

Is there a time limit for filing port-a-cath lawsuits?

Yes. Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a legal deadline for filing product liability lawsuits. These deadlines vary by state, but many fall within 1-3 years from when your injury occurred or was discovered.

Because chemo port complications often unfold over time, many patients don’t immediately realize the device may be to blame. That’s why speaking with a lawyer sooner rather than later is so important. Once the deadline passes, patients lose their legal right to pursue compensation and accountability from the responsible companies.

Because chemo port complications often unfold over time, many patients don’t immediately realize the device may be to blame. That’s why speaking with a lawyer sooner rather than later is so important. Once the deadline passes, patients lose their legal right to pursue compensation and accountability from the responsible companies.

How much could port catheter lawsuit settlement amounts be?

The litigation is still ongoing, so no global settlement has been announced. That means it is too early to estimate the value of any individual claim with certainty.

However, in prior lawsuits involving defective implantable medical devices, individual recoveries have varied widely and, depending on the facts, have sometimes fallen in the tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars or more in more serious cases.

Any potential recovery in a port catheter case would depend on factors like the type of alleged device failure, the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost income, and the overall impact on quality of life.

These figures are provided only as general context and are not a guarantee or a prediction of what any particular case will resolve for.

What can I expect when working with a Bard PowerPort lawsuit attorney?

We start by listening to your story, reviewing your medical history, and confirming whether your port and injury qualify for litigation. From there, we gather the evidence, consult experts, and prepare your claim.

You won’t have to negotiate with the device manufacturer, chase down medical records, or worry about the technical aspects of the litigation.

A product liability lawyer can handle every step for you and keep you updated in clear, plain language. This gives you space to focus on your health while we pursue justice on your behalf.

Is there a chemo port class action lawsuit?

Instead of a chemo port class action lawsuit, Bard port cases have been consolidated into what’s called multidistrict litigation (MDL). This process groups similar lawsuits from across the country before one federal judge.

An MDL allows cases to move forward more efficiently while still preserving each person’s right to an individual settlement or trial outcome. It’s the most common structure for large product liability lawsuits like this one.

How much does it cost to hire a PowerPort lawyer?

There are no upfront costs at all. Port catheter lawsuits are handled on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if your legal team successfully recovers money for you.

This arrangement ensures that anyone injured by a defective medical device has access to high-quality representation, regardless of their financial situation.

What is the latest port catheter lawsuit update?

Thousands of Bard implanted port catheter lawsuits are moving forward in a federal multidistrict litigation. The court is currently working through expert challenges and other pretrial motions.

The first bellwether trials for Bard PowerPort litigation are scheduled for sometime in late April. These early test trials help shape potential settlement discussions, potentially paving the way for compensation.

New cases continue to be added, which shows that patients harmed by these defective ports are still coming forward. The first trial results will play an important role in determining how the litigation progresses and whether a global settlement is likely.

Get Help Filing a Bard Port-a-Cath Lawsuit

If you or a loved one suffered complications from a Bard PowerPort or another implanted port, you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

A Bard PowerPort lawyer like Brendan can help determine whether your device qualifies, explain your rights, and pursue the compensation your family may be owed.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our online form to get a free case review. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward justice.