Living with chronic pain is difficult enough. A treatment intended to provide relief should not leave you facing additional surgeries, worsening pain, or permanent injuries.

Spinal cord stimulators are implantable medical devices designed to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. While many patients experience relief, others have reported serious complications, including device malfunctions, lead migration, infections, painful electrical shocks, and the need for revision or removal surgery.

As these reports continue to emerge, injured patients are pursuing a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit against manufacturers they believe failed to design reasonably safe devices or adequately warn patients and physicians about known risks.

If you or someone you love experienced complications after receiving a spinal cord stimulator, Meshbesher & Spence is investigating potential claims. We’ve recovered more than $1.1 billion for our clients and are committed to helping individuals hold negligent medical device manufacturers accountable.

Call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits

If you’re researching your legal options, here’s what you should know.

Who may qualify?

You may qualify if you received a spinal cord stimulator and later experienced complications such as:

Lead migration
Device malfunction
Battery failure
Infection
Painful electrical shocks
Revision surgery
Device removal
Loss of pain relief

What do lawsuits allege?

Many lawsuits allege manufacturers designed defective devices, failed to adequately test their products, or did not provide sufficient warnings about known risks before patients underwent implantation.

Which manufacturers have been named?

Several manufacturers have faced litigation involving spinal cord stimulation devices, including Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Nevro.

What compensation may be available?

Depending on your injuries, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, disability, and other damages associated with device-related complications.

Current Status of Spinal Cord Stimulator Litigation

Litigation involving spinal cord stimulators continues to develop as patients across the country report serious complications following implantation. Lawsuits have been filed against several manufacturers, although there is currently no single nationwide proceeding encompassing every spinal cord stimulator claim.

Some lawsuits involve devices that have been the subject of recalls, safety communications, or other regulatory actions, while others focus on individual injuries allegedly caused by device failures. As additional claims are filed and investigations continue, the legal landscape surrounding spinal cord stimulators continues to evolve.

If you believe a spinal cord stimulator caused your injuries, speaking with an attorney promptly is important because filing deadlines vary by state.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator and How Is It Implanted?

A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable medical device designed to help manage chronic pain by delivering mild electrical impulses near the spinal cord. Rather than treating the underlying condition, the device changes how pain signals travel to the brain, helping some patients experience less pain.

Doctors may recommend spinal cord stimulation after more conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, injections, or previous surgery, have failed to provide adequate relief. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

Failed back surgery syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Chronic back or leg pain
Peripheral neuropathy
Certain nerve injuries

A spinal cord stimulation system generally includes three components:

Electrical leads, which are placed near the spinal cord to deliver electrical impulses.
An implantable pulse generator, a battery-powered device implanted beneath the skin that powers the system.
A patient controller, which allows the user to adjust stimulation settings within physician-approved limits.

Implantation typically occurs in two stages. During the first stage, physicians place temporary leads near the spinal cord and connect them to an external battery so patients can determine whether the therapy provides meaningful pain relief. If the trial is successful, permanent leads and the pulse generator are implanted during a second procedure.

After implantation, the device is programmed to match the patient’s needs and adjusted during follow-up appointments. While many patients experience meaningful pain relief, others develop complications that require revision surgery or complete removal of the device.

What Do Spinal Stimulator Lawsuits Allege?

Every case is different, but most plaintiffs are not alleging that a spinal cord stimulator simply failed to relieve pain. Instead, many lawsuits claim manufacturers placed unsafe devices on the market or failed to provide adequate warnings about known risks.

Common allegations include:

Defective Design

Some lawsuits claim certain spinal cord stimulators were defectively designed, making them more susceptible to lead migration, premature failure, battery problems, or other malfunctions.

Manufacturing Defects

Patients may allege manufacturing problems caused the implanted device to stop working properly or require unexpected revision surgery.

Failure to Warn

Manufacturers have a duty to provide physicians and patients with adequate warnings about known risks. Some lawsuits allege those warnings did not fully describe the likelihood or severity of device-related complications.

Device Malfunctions

Some claims involve generators, batteries, software, or electrical components that allegedly malfunctioned after implantation, reducing pain relief or requiring additional surgery.

Need for Revision or Removal Surgery

Many patients allege they required one or more additional procedures to reposition leads, replace malfunctioning components, or completely remove the implanted device.

Whether these allegations apply depends on the manufacturer involved, the specific device implanted, and the injuries experienced by each patient.

Common Spinal Cord Stimulator Problems and Injuries

Like any implanted medical device, spinal cord stimulators carry risks. Some patients, however, report complications that require additional treatment or surgery.

Lead Migration

Leads can shift after implantation, reducing pain relief or stimulating unintended nerves. Lead migration is one of the most common reasons patients undergo revision surgery.

Device Malfunction

Generators, batteries, software, or electrical components may fail unexpectedly, causing the device to stop working properly or deliver inconsistent stimulation.

Painful Electrical Shocks

Some patients report sudden electrical shocks during routine activities or while resting, raising concerns about the device’s safety and performance.

Battery or Charging Problems

Rechargeable batteries may fail to hold a charge or stop functioning, sometimes requiring replacement surgery.

Infection

Infections may develop after implantation and can require antibiotics, hospitalization, or removal of the device.

Loss of Pain Relief

Some patients experience reduced effectiveness over time because of device-related complications or hardware problems.

Nerve Damage

Implantation or revision surgery may result in nerve injuries that cause chronic pain, weakness, or numbness.

Revision or Explant Surgery

Many patients ultimately require additional procedures to reposition leads, replace malfunctioning components, or remove the device entirely.

These complications can result in additional medical expenses, missed work, and a prolonged recovery.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Manufacturers Named in Lawsuits

Several medical device manufacturers have been named in lawsuits involving spinal cord stimulation systems. While the allegations differ from case to case, many claims involve similar concerns regarding device performance, warnings, or the need for revision surgery.

Abbott

Patients pursuing an Abbott spinal cord stimulator lawsuit generally allege complications involving certain implanted neurostimulation systems, including device malfunctions, lead problems, battery issues, or inadequate warnings regarding potential risks. Some Abbott devices have also been the subject of recalls or safety communications involving software and communication issues.

Boston Scientific

Reports involving Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator problems have included allegations related to lead migration, charging difficulties, device malfunctions, and revision surgeries. An individual spinal stimulator lawsuit depends on the specific device involved and the injuries experienced by the patient.

Medtronic

Patients filing a Medtronic spinal cord stimulator lawsuit have alleged injuries associated with implanted pain management systems, including device failures, lead complications, and other issues requiring corrective surgery. As with other manufacturers, litigation continues to evolve as additional claims are filed.

Nevro

A Nevro spinal cord stimulator lawsuit may involve allegations concerning device performance, unexpected complications, or inadequate warnings provided before implantation. Each claim depends on the patient’s medical history, the specific device implanted, and the injuries allegedly caused by the system.

Receiving a spinal cord stimulator from one of these manufacturers does not automatically mean you have a legal claim. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of device implanted, the complications experienced, the medical treatment required, and the evidence connecting the device to your injuries.

If a spinal cord stimulator caused unexpected complications, additional surgeries, or ongoing pain, you don’t have to figure out your legal options on your own.

Meshbesher & Spence is investigating claims involving defective spinal cord stimulators and has recovered more than $1.1 billion for our clients. Our attorneys can review your medical history, explain your legal options, and help determine whether you may qualify to pursue compensation.

Call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Regulation History

Spinal cord stimulators are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the approval, manufacturing, labeling, and ongoing safety monitoring of implantable medical devices.

As manufacturers have introduced new spinal cord stimulation technology, the FDA has continued monitoring reports of device malfunctions and patient injuries. When safety concerns arise, manufacturers may issue recalls, software updates, or revised warnings for physicians and patients.

The FDA also maintains a database of adverse event reports submitted by manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients. While these reports do not prove a device caused an injury, they help identify potential safety concerns and may become relevant in product liability litigation.

Do You Qualify for a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit?

Not every complication following spinal cord stimulator implantation leads to a lawsuit. However, if you experienced serious injuries that required additional medical treatment, you may have grounds to pursue compensation.

Every case is unique, but you may qualify if:

You received an implanted spinal cord stimulator.
The device malfunctioned or stopped working as intended.
The leads migrated or shifted after implantation.
You experienced painful electrical shocks.
The device became infected.
You underwent revision surgery or device removal.
You suffered additional injuries because of the device.
You incurred additional medical expenses or lost income because of the complications.

An attorney can review your medical records, identify the manufacturer of your device, and determine whether your injuries may support a legal claim.

Gathering Evidence for Spinal Cord Stimulator Litigation

Strong medical device claims rely on evidence demonstrating the device implanted, the complications experienced, and the treatment required afterward.

Evidence that may help support your claim includes:

Medical records documenting your diagnosis, implantation procedure, follow-up care, and complications
Your implant identification card showing the device manufacturer and model
Records from revision or explant surgeries
Imaging studies documenting lead migration or other device-related issues
Employment records showing lost wages or reduced earning capacity
Notes describing your symptoms, recovery, and how the complications affected your daily life

Even if you don’t have every record, an attorney can often obtain much of the documentation needed to investigate your claim.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Patients injured by defective medical devices often face far more than another surgical procedure. Many experience months or years of additional medical treatment, chronic pain, and financial hardship.

While every case is different, compensation may include:

Medical Expenses

Hospital bills
Revision surgery
Explant surgery
Physical therapy
Prescription medications
Future medical treatment
Rehabilitation

Lost Income

Patients may recover compensation for wages lost while recovering from surgery, along with diminished earning capacity if their injuries prevent them from returning to the same type of work.

Pain and Suffering

Living with additional pain after undergoing a procedure intended to relieve chronic pain can have a profound effect on daily life. Compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Permanent Disability

Some patients experience lasting neurological injuries, reduced mobility, or permanent limitations that continue long after the device has been removed.

Other Financial Losses

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may also include future care needs, home modifications, assistive devices, and other expenses related to the injuries.

The value of every claim depends on the specific injuries, medical treatment required, long-term prognosis, and the evidence supporting the case.

Why Work With a Spinal Cord Stimulator Attorney?

Medical device litigation differs from many other personal injury cases. These claims often involve complex engineering issues, extensive medical records, scientific evidence, and large manufacturers represented by experienced defense attorneys.

Working with a spinal cord stimulator attorney gives you an advocate who can investigate the facts, preserve important evidence, and help determine whether a defective medical device contributed to your injuries.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we understand that pursuing a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit is about more than financial compensation. It’s about obtaining answers and holding manufacturers accountable when patients suffer preventable harm.

Our team works with medical experts and other professionals to evaluate device-related injuries, identify potentially responsible parties, and build strong cases supported by medical evidence.

For more than six decades, Meshbesher & Spence has fought for injured individuals and families, recovering more than $1.1 billion for our clients.

Learn Whether You May Have a Claim

A spinal cord stimulator was intended to relieve chronic pain, not create new medical problems. If you experienced serious complications after implantation, you may have legal options.

For over 60 years, Meshbesher & Spence has represented individuals and families harmed by negligence and defective products, recovering more than $1.1 billion for our clients. Our attorneys can review your medical records, explain whether you may qualify to pursue compensation, and answer your questions during a free consultation.

Call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online today to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do spinal cord stimulators typically last?

Battery life depends on the type of device and how often it is used. Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators may last 10 years or longer, while non-rechargeable systems often require replacement sooner. Even when a device reaches the end of its expected lifespan, it should not fail prematurely because of a defect.
• Can a spinal cord stimulator be removed?

Yes. A spinal cord stimulator can often be removed through surgery if it no longer provides pain relief, malfunctions, causes complications, or becomes infected. Some patients require revision surgery to replace individual components, while others undergo complete device removal.
• Does a recalled spinal cord stimulator automatically qualify for a lawsuit?

No. A recall alone does not establish a legal claim. To pursue compensation, patients generally must show they suffered injuries or financial losses related to the device. An attorney can review your medical records and determine whether the facts support a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit.
• Are spinal cord stimulator lawsuits handled individually or as a class action?

Most spinal cord stimulator claims are filed as individual lawsuits because every patient’s medical history, implanted device, and injuries are different. Depending on how litigation develops, similar cases may sometimes be coordinated for pretrial proceedings while remaining separate claims.

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