Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit
No out-of-pocket costs—we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
No out-of-pocket costs—we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Spinal cord stimulators, while beneficial for some patients, have been associated with a range of issues and device malfunctions that can lead to severe injuries and complications, sometimes prompting legal action. Some of the most concerning problems that have been reported include:
Burning or overheating of the device
Electric shock by device
Urinary incontinence or retention
Gastroparesis
Dysphagia
Uncontrollable diarrhea
Dizziness/fainting
Ineffective or worsening pain
These situations can then lead to additional surgical procedures and potential long-term health consequences.
With a total of over 80,000 reported injuries, spinal cord stimulators have earned a troubling distinction as the third most flagged medical device by the Food and Drug Administration, underscoring the considerable risks and complications linked to their use.
Spinal cord stimulators are medical devices implanted in the body to help manage chronic pain related to conditions such as:
Failed back surgery syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome
Other neuropathic pain disorders
These devices are often considered when other pain management treatments have not provided sufficient relief. They consist of a small generator, similar to a pacemaker, and leads (electrode wires) that deliver electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, potentially altering how pain is perceived. Patients use a remote control to adjust the stimulation levels based on their pain.
Several major medical device manufacturers have been named in spinal cord stimulator lawsuits, including:
Boston Scientific
Medtronic
St. Jude Medical
Nevro
This is not an exhaustive list. Other companies may also be implicated in spinal cord stimulator lawsuits, and the list of defendants may continue to grow as more cases are filed and investigated.
Lawsuits are being filed because manufacturers allegedly failed to comply with FDA requirements, such as ensuring the device does not exceed certain temperatures and that the wires do not transmit excessive energy.
What's more, manufacturers are accused of not adequately reporting known issues and making misleading claims about the device's effectiveness and safety. These failures have led to severe injuries for some patients, prompting legal action.
To be eligible for a lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:
You had a spinal cord stimulator implanted after 2013 for reasons other than sleep apnea or bladder issues.
You experienced one of the following injuries: burning, electric shock, lead wire fracture, urinary incontinence, gastroparesis, dysphagia, uncontrollable diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, or ineffective/worsening pain.
You will need to gather evidence that demonstrates the spinal cord stimulator caused your injury and that the manufacturer or other responsible parties were negligent or liable. Some types of evidence that may be relevant to your case include:
Medical records: Your medical records, including those from your implantation surgery, follow-up appointments, and any subsequent treatments or surgeries, can help establish the extent of your injury and the cause.
Device records: Records of the spinal cord stimulator device itself, including the model number, serial number, and any maintenance or repair records, can help identify the specific device and any potential defects.
Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can help visualize the extent of your injury and any damage to your spinal cord or surrounding tissues.
It's essential to work with an experienced attorney who can help you gather and analyze the evidence needed to prove your claim. They can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Some of the ways that filing a lawsuit can help you include seeking compensation for:
Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs
Lost wages and income due to time missed from work
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish
Other damages related to your injury, such as reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of activities
On top of that, holding manufacturers accountable for their products and actions can lead to better overall outcomes for the population at large, including:
Changes in product design or manufacturing processes to improve safety
Increased transparency and disclosure about potential risks and side effects
Improved testing and inspection procedures to identify and address defects
Enhanced patient safety protocols and warnings
If you suspect that your spinal cord stimulator has caused an injury, take immediate action to protect your health and well-being. Seek medical attention and document your symptoms and any medical treatments you receive.
To determine if you may be eligible for a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit, fill out our free case evaluation form. This is a confidential and risk-free way to take the first step towards seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights and options.