Port-Catheter implants are devices used for medical treatments such as blood draws, blood transfusions, and are used to administer medications. Port-catheters are normally placed under the skin, usually in the right side of the chest but can sometimes be implanted in other areas. Port-catheters generally make a suitable IV to avoid puncture wounds and damage directly to the vein. However, they can also cause serious health complications in patients.
If defective port-catheter has negatively affected you or a loved one, call our Kansas City, Missouri, attorneys today. Our lawyers are investigating cases involving port-catheters and may be able to help you hold the at-fault party legally responsible for your damages. You could be eligible for financial compensation. Contact the Dickerson Oxton Law Firm today to request a free port-catheter lawsuit consultation.
Why Choose Us?
The Dickerson Oxton Law Firm is passionate about giving a voice to those who otherwise would suffer in silence. It is our mission to advocate for injured patients in the face of defective and dangerous medical devices or prescription drugs. We take every case seriously and treat clients as we would our own family members. Let our family help yours during this difficult time.
- Our firm charges no fees unless we win.
- Our firm has over a 98% success rate.
- Our firm would have multiple attorneys working on your case.
- Our firm has years of experience handling defective medical device cases.
Our attorneys truly care about what happens to you. We want to explain your rights, investigate your case for signs of negligence or wrongdoing, and help you go up against port-catheter manufacturers in pursuit of fair compensation. Our lawyers have the passion, experience, and resources to make your case as strong as possible. Do not take our word for it – review our client testimonials to see what others have to say about our legal representation.
What Are Port-Catheters? How Can They Be Dangerous?
Port-Catheters are a small thin tube made of soft plastic that goes inside of a vein. It is a popular alternative to receiving multiple puncture wounds and/or prevention of vein damage. Studies suggest advantages of a port-catheter reduces the need for repeated needle sticks for patients who are in need of long term treatments. The advantage of having a port-catheter placement is that it provides a direct channel to the vein without having to puncture the patient multiple times.
Unfortunately, instead of helping solve medical problems, defective port-catheter devices are causing complications in unsuspecting patients. Port-catheter complications may cause severe pain, infections, thrombosis, and more. Hundreds of patients are pursuing claims against port-catheter manufacturers for their injuries. The two main companies involved in these lawsuits are Bard Access Systems, Inc., (PowerPort) and AngioDynamics (SmartPort). Both products have allegedly caused damages to patients through defects in design and/or manufacturing.
Bard Access Systems, Inc., has been involved in lawsuits regarding high failure rates, from infection and pain at the site to thrombosis and the need for revision surgeries. PowerPort uses a polyacetal, silicone, and/or titanium which has given some patients serious allergic reactions. Patients with a defective port-catheter may suffer severe, long-term health effects and personal injuries. Furthermore, port-catheter implantation is placed for an already immune compromised patient – making it difficult to remove if complications arise.
Why Are People Filing Port-Catheter Lawsuits?
Patients are filing port-catheter lawsuits with the allegations that the manufacturing companies – mainly Bard Access Systems, Inc., and AngioDynamics – knew or reasonably should have known of the potential risks to consumers yet failed to issue a warning. It was not until after patients began filing complaints of complications that manufacturing companies issued warnings and voluntary product recalls. At this point, many patients had already suffered serious and permanent health effects.
Port-catheter lawsuits have alleged that the manufacturers fast-tracked the approval process due to similar equipment already being on the market, and therefore failed to test port-catheters on humans prior to release. Others have stated that the companies ignored infection and sterility complaints for too long. In September 2020, Bard Access System’s voluntarily recalled PowerPort duo M.R.I. Implantable Port Kits for difficulty in flushing, infusion, and/or aspiration, and septum dislodgements during use.
Current lawsuits allege that the manufacturing companies distributed defective and dangerous products, knew or reasonably should have known of the hazards, failed to warn consumers of foreseeable risks, and were negligent in their manufacturing and marketing practices. Port-catheter lawsuits have involved manufacturing companies, marketing companies, physicians, and others as defendants. If you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit, contact an attorney.
Port-catheter Injuries and Side Effects
Defective port-catheter products can cause a range of serious personal injuries and lasting health complications. Patients have complained of difficulty flushing and/or withdrawing, infusion, and/or aspiration, infection leading to sepsis, punctured organs from dislodgement, as well as vascular thrombosis. These complications can cause severe pain, disability, organ failure, and wrongful death.
Port-catheter products are incompatible with many patients’ bodies. They use polyacetal plastic the same material which have thousands of ongoing personal injury lawsuits. Patients’ bodies may reject the material, resulting in inflammation, adhesion, and other adverse reactions. Many port-catheter complications require additional surgeries to revise the implant or remove it entirely. Revision surgeries cost more money for patients and can take a toll on their physical health.
Compensation Available – What Are My Options?
If you successfully prove someone else’s liability for your port-catheter complications or personal injuries, you could receive financial compensation for your damages. Your compensation could cover your past and future losses and expenses relating to defective port-catheter. It could also include punitive damages, if the courts find the defendant grossly negligent or guilty of wanton disregard for the safety of others.
- Compensation for medical expenses may be available. You could recover any and all medical expenses relating to your adverse event, including the costs of revision surgery, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and medical care.
- Compensation for pain and suffering may be available. The Kansas City courts permit defective medical product victims to seek recovery for non-economic damages, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and lost quality of life relating to the incident.
- Compensation for lost wages may be available. Most victims of a defective port-catheter must miss work during their surgeries and recoveries. Others may not be able to return to their same jobs due to a temporary or permanent disability. These damages are often recoverable.
The exact amount of compensation available to you depends on the severity of your injuries and losses. Your options for legal action could include negotiating an insurance settlement, taking the defendant to court, or joining a class action lawsuit against the company. The right steps for you will depend on your damages and goals for the lawsuit. We can review your case and give you our honest advice as to how to proceed. Discuss your case with one of our attorneys for more information about what your port-catheter case could be worth.
Port-Catheter Lawsuits and Settlement Information
Curious about how to file a port-catheter lawsuit in Kansas City? Contact us to see what we recommend. You may have the power to file an individual product liability or wrongful death lawsuit in the Kansas City civil courts. Currently, thousands of personal injury lawsuits against Bard, AngioDynamics, and other manufacturers for defective and dangerous port-catheter devices and failed implants exist.
You may qualify to join an ongoing class action lawsuit against Bard, AngioDynamics, or another port-catheter manufacturer. A class action is a more efficient legal process that involves a group of plaintiffs with similar injuries and a shared defendant. Our lawyers can review your case and help you identify your legal options. We can successfully achieve settlements for most cases without having to go to court.
What to Do If You Are Suffering From A Defective Port?
If a defective port-catheter injured you or a loved one, get the medical care you need. Keep copies of your medical records and related bills. Once you are on the mend from your injuries, contact the Dickerson Oxton Law Firm. Involving our lawyers can help you protect your rights and take the appropriate steps toward obtaining compensation. If you are unable to come to our local Kansas City location, we can meet with you at your home or the hospital for a free consultation.
Retaining an attorney removes the legal burden from your shoulders. Your lawyer can handle the legwork of your product liability case while you focus on healing. An attorney can file your claim, negotiate a fairer settlement with insurance companies, and make sure no one takes advantage of you. Do not try to negotiate your case alone. Contact our firm for immediate assistance.
Contact Us Today
The Dickerson Oxton Law Firm has years of experience handling even the most complex defective medical device cases throughout the United States. We know how to investigate these cases, gather evidence, and demonstrate fault on our clients’ behalf. If you want strong, passionate, and aggressive advocacy during your port-catheter claim, count on us for representation. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to take your claim where it needs to go.
Defective port-catheters are dangerous and can cause significant personal injuries and wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of defective port-catheter in Kansas City, contact us. We accept these cases in Missouri and Kansas. We may be able to help you obtain a settlement or judgment to pay for your damages. Call (816) 268-1960 today to request your free legal consultation.