Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
Illinois & Chicago
Illinois cancer patients who suffered catheter fractures, bloodstream infections, or other complications from Bard PowerPort devices may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Attorneys are actively accepting cases from across Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois residents can file claims in the federal MDL-3081
- 2-year statute of limitations from date of injury discovery in Illinois
- Over 3,100 cases pending nationwide with rapid growth
- No upfront costs — cases handled on contingency fee basis
- First bellwether trial (Cook v. Becton Dickinson) commenced April 21, 2026 — verdict expected May 2026
Illinois Legal Information
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the statute of limitations for product liability personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury.
Important: Illinois follows the "discovery rule," meaning the statute of limitations may not begin until you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) both your injury and that it was caused by the PowerPort device. For catheter fractures or infections, this is typically when you receive a diagnosis linking the complication to the device.
Statute of Repose
Illinois also has a statute of repose that sets an outer limit for product liability claims. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-213, claims must generally be filed within 12 years of the date the product was first sold. Since many PowerPort devices were implanted within the last decade, most Illinois patients should still be within this window.
Chicago & Northern Illinois
The Chicago metropolitan area is home to numerous major cancer treatment centers where PowerPort devices are routinely implanted for chemotherapy patients. Residents of Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and surrounding areas who experienced PowerPort complications may be eligible to file claims.
Major Chicago-Area Treatment Centers
Cancer patients across the Chicago area receive treatment at facilities including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Advocate Health, and numerous oncology clinics where PowerPort devices are implanted. If you received a PowerPort at any Illinois medical facility and experienced complications, you may qualify.
Federal Court Jurisdiction
While the Bard PowerPort MDL is consolidated in the District of Arizona, Illinois residents can work with attorneys who file directly in the MDL. The Northern District of Illinois, which includes Chicago, can also accept initial filings before transfer to the MDL.
1 About the Bard PowerPort Litigation
The Bard PowerPort is an implanted port catheter used primarily by cancer patients to receive chemotherapy and other IV medications. The device is surgically placed under the skin with a catheter that connects to a large vein near the heart.
Plaintiffs allege that the PowerPort's polyurethane catheter contains barium sulfate particles that separate from the material over time, creating weak points that cause the catheter to fracture. When the catheter breaks, fragments can migrate to the heart or lungs, requiring emergency surgery to remove.
The FDA has documented over 5,333 adverse event reports for Bard PowerPort devices and issued 25 Class II recalls between 2018-2021.
2 Qualifying Complications
Catheter Fracture & Migration
- Catheter breakage inside the body
- Fragment migration to heart/lungs
- Emergency surgical retrieval
Bloodstream Infections
- Catheter-related bloodstream infection
- Sepsis
- Hospitalization for infection
Blood Clots (Thrombosis)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Port occlusion
Other Complications
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Unplanned surgical removal
- Pinch-off syndrome
3 Do You Qualify? (Illinois)
Illinois Eligibility Checklist
- You are an Illinois resident or received your PowerPort in Illinois
- You had a Bard PowerPort catheter implanted
- You experienced a qualifying complication (fracture, infection, blood clots, etc.)
- You have medical records documenting the device and complication
- Your claim is within the statute of limitations (2 years from discovery)
Legal Representation for Bard PowerPort Cases
SWMW Law
"Because People Matter" • Est. 2012
SWMW Law is actively accepting Bard PowerPort cases as part of MDL-3081. Representing patients who suffered catheter fractures, infections, or other complications from Bard PowerPort devices.
Why SWMW Law for Bard PowerPort Cases:
- Managing partners personally involved in every case
- No upfront costs — contingency fee only
- Will travel to meet clients anywhere in the U.S.
- Cases typically filed within 2 weeks of first meeting
- Actively handling cases in MDL-3081 litigation
Notable Results (Illinois)
Free Case Evaluation
No upfront costs. Available 24/7.
Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. See disclaimer.
Illinois-Specific FAQs
Can Illinois residents file a Bard PowerPort lawsuit?
Yes. Illinois residents who experienced PowerPort complications can file lawsuits. Cases are being consolidated in the federal MDL-3081 in Arizona, but you can work with attorneys who will handle the entire filing process regardless of where the case is ultimately heard.
What is the deadline to file in Illinois?
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for product liability cases. The clock typically starts when you discover (or should have reasonably discovered) your injury and its connection to the PowerPort device. If you recently learned your complication was device-related, you may still be within this window.
Do I need an Illinois-based attorney?
Not necessarily. Because this is a federal MDL, attorneys from any state can represent you. Many national mass tort law firms accept Illinois cases. What matters most is the firm's experience with medical device litigation and their track record with similar cases.
When will trials begin?
The first bellwether trial (Cook v. Becton Dickinson) commenced April 21, 2026 in the District of Arizona before Judge Campbell, with a verdict expected before the end of May 2026. Five additional trials are scheduled through late 2026 or early 2027. These test cases will help establish case values and may lead to settlement discussions.
Sources & References
5 sources cited• Illinois Compiled Statutes, 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (Personal Injury Statute of Limitations)
• Illinois Compiled Statutes, 735 ILCS 5/13-213 (Product Liability Statute of Repose)
• FDA MAUDE Database — Bard PowerPort Adverse Event Reports
• FDA Medical Device Recalls Database — Bard PowerPort Class II Recalls
• JPML MDL Statistics Reports — MDL-3081 Case Counts
Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content.
Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.