Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit
- Last Updated: January 9th, 2025
Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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Spinal Cord Stimulator Injury Claims
Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit claims center on device malfunctions, inadequate risk warnings, and severe complications that have left patients facing new or worsened pain, additional surgeries, and, in some cases, permanent injuries or even death.
TruLaw and our team of affiliates are investigating injuries related to spinal cord stimulator implants.
On this page, we’ll discuss Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit claims, potential injury risks related to spinal cord stimulation, how spinal cord stimulators work, how Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit claims are pursued, and much more.
Do You Qualify for a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
Spinal cord stimulators are medical devices implanted to manage chronic pain by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord, aiming to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
A spinal cord stimulator operation is typically considered when other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Spinal cord stimulator implantation involves placing electrodes near the spinal cord and a pulse generator under the skin, allowing patients to control the intensity of stimulation.
However, while spinal cord stimulators can offer significant pain relief, they also carry risks such as infection, lead migration, device malfunction, and, in some cases, worsening pain or neurological complications.
Injuries can occur due to surgical errors, device defects, or improper patient selection, leading to serious health issues.
Given these concerns, our law firm is actively investigating injury claims related to spinal cord stimulator devices to support affected individuals in seeking justice and compensation.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, severe back pain, or other complications related to a spinal cord stimulator, our law firm is here to help you explore your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact TruLaw today for a free consultation.
Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit instantly.
For countless patients and their families, the promise of relief from spinal cord stimulators has instead led to a harrowing cycle of pain, injury, and, in the most heartbreaking cases, loss of life.
Manufacturers of medical devices bear a vital responsibility to ensure their products are safe and to provide clear warnings about any known risks.
Attorneys are actively investigating cases involving defective spinal cord stimulators, striving to hold manufacturers accountable and secure justice for individuals and families who have suffered due to these device failures.
Table of Contents
Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit Overview
Spinal cord stimulators are widely used medical devices designed to manage chronic pain by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
While these devices can provide effective pain relief for many patients suffering from conditions like severe back pain, leg pain, or spinal cord injuries, they are not without risks.
Unfortunately, some spinal cord stimulator devices have been linked to severe injuries, defective performance, and complications stemming from medical malpractice or product defects.
When a spinal cord stimulator fails—whether due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or improper implantation—the results can be devastating.
The FDA reports that since 2008, there have been over 80,000 adverse event filings associated with spinal cord stimulator (SCS) devices, including nearly 500 cases resulting in death.
Patients may experience increased pain, device migration, nerve damage, or even permanent injuries that require additional surgeries or treatments.
These outcomes not only disrupt a patient’s ability to manage chronic pain but can also lead to significant financial burdens, including mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries due to a defective spinal cord stimulator device, you may be eligible to file a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit and seek compensation.
TruLaw can help determine whether you qualify for a defective medical device lawsuit or medical malpractice lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit instantly.
How are Spinal Cord Stimulator Cases Handled?
Spinal cord stimulator injury cases can involve both medical errors and defective products.
Depending on the circumstances, claims may be filed against healthcare providers, device manufacturers, or both to seek compensation for injuries and losses.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits are generally pursued through two main legal avenues:
- Medical Malpractice Cases Against Healthcare Providers
- Product Liability Lawsuits Against Medical Device Manufacturers
Medical malpractice cases typically focus on errors made during implantation, such as improper placement of the device or failure to monitor post-surgical complications.
Medical malpractice attorneys work to prove that a healthcare provider’s negligence during the procedure directly caused the patient’s injuries, gathering evidence such as surgical records, expert testimony, and post-operative reports.
Product liability lawsuits target medical device manufacturers for defects in the design, manufacturing, or marketing of implanted devices.
These claims may allege that the device was inherently unsafe or that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about known risks.
Depending on the nature of the injury, plaintiffs may pursue one or both types of litigation to hold all responsible parties accountable for the harm caused.
Injuries and Health Risks Linked to Spinal Cord Stimulator Devices
While spinal cord stimulator devices are designed to provide relief for chronic pain by interrupting pain signals in the nervous system, they can sometimes cause severe injuries and health complications.
Faulty devices, improper implantation, or inadequate monitoring can lead to long-term or even permanent damage for patients.
Common Injuries and Complications
Patients who experience complications with spinal cord stimulator devices often report a range of serious injuries and health risks.
Injuries and health risks include:
- Device Malfunction: Electrical pulses may fail to provide effective pain relief or may cause unintended nerve damage.
- Increased Pain or Discomfort: Some patients report worsened pain, particularly in the back, neck, or legs, following implantation.
- Device Migration: The implanted device or its components may shift from their original placement, causing damage to nearby tissues or the spinal cord.
- Infection: Surgical implantation of spinal cord stimulators carries the risk of infection at the incision site or within deeper tissues.
- Epidural Hematoma: Bleeding around the epidural space can lead to nerve compression and serious complications.
- Nerve Damage: Incorrect placement or malfunctioning devices may result in nerve injuries, causing numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
Long-Term Health Risks
In addition to immediate injuries, patients may face long-term health complications from defective or improperly implanted spinal cord stimulator devices.
Long-term effects include:
- Chronic Inflammation: Prolonged irritation or immune responses caused by the implanted device.
- Scar Tissue Formation: Build-up around the stimulator leads to further complications or device malfunctions.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Pressure on the spinal cord can cause significant nerve damage and loss of mobility.
- Permanent Disabilities: Severe complications may result in irreversible damage, impacting a patient’s quality of life.
Emotional and Financial Impact
Beyond the physical injuries, the complications associated with spinal cord stimulator devices can lead to other impacts.
Emotional and financial impacts include:
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life due to chronic pain and medical complications.
- Substantial Medical Expenses: Costs for additional surgeries, treatments, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Inability to work during recovery or due to permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries linked to a spinal cord stimulator device, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact TruLaw today for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
What Are Spinal Cord Stimulators and Why Are They Used?
Spinal cord stimulators are medical devices designed to manage chronic pain by delivering mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
These devices are typically used for patients who have not found relief from other pain management treatments, such as medication or physical therapy.
Spinal cord stimulators are often recommended for conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, nerve injuries, degenerative disc disease, or chronic back and neck pain.
By interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, these devices aim to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe or persistent pain.
How Spinal Cord Stimulators Work
Spinal cord stimulators work by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals traveling to the brain.
The device consists of a small implanted generator and electrodes placed near the spinal cord, typically in the epidural space.
Patients use an external controller to adjust the intensity and frequency of the stimulation, tailoring the pain relief to their needs.
This technology does not eliminate the source of pain but instead alters the perception of pain, replacing it with a mild tingling sensation or, in some cases, complete pain relief.
The Different Types of Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants
Spinal cord stimulator implants come in various forms to accommodate different patient needs and medical conditions.
The primary types include:
- Traditional Low-Frequency Stimulators: Deliver consistent electrical impulses to manage chronic pain, often causing a tingling sensation (paresthesia).
- High-Frequency Stimulators: Operate at a higher frequency to provide pain relief without the sensation of tingling, ideal for patients who find paresthesia uncomfortable.
- Burst Stimulators: Mimic natural nerve firing patterns to deliver more effective pain relief with less energy consumption.
- Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Models: Rechargeable devices allow patients to maintain their stimulators without frequent surgeries, while non-rechargeable models are simpler but require periodic replacement.
Each type of implant is tailored to provide optimal pain management, depending on the patient’s condition and preferences.
Despite their benefits, complications and malfunctions can occur, leading to severe health risks for some patients.
What Companies Make Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants?
Several major medical device manufacturers produce spinal cord stimulators, offering various models designed to manage chronic pain.
These companies have developed both traditional low-frequency stimulators and more advanced high-frequency or burst stimulation devices.
However, despite technological advancements, reports of device malfunctions and complications have led to lawsuits against several of these manufacturers.
Companies that produce spinal cord stimulator implants include:
- Medtronic: One of the largest producers of spinal cord stimulators, known for its rechargeable and non-rechargeable models.
- Boston Scientific: Offers a range of stimulators, including high-frequency and patient-controlled devices.
- Abbott: Known for its BurstDR stimulation technology, which mimics natural nerve firing patterns for pain relief.
- Nevro: Specializes in high-frequency spinal cord stimulators with its HF10 system, designed for paresthesia-free pain relief.
- Stimwave: Produces wireless stimulators designed to minimize the invasiveness of implantation.
Were You Injured by a Defective Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Spinal cord stimulator implants are meant to provide pain relief and improve the quality of patients’ lives, but for many, the devices have caused severe complications instead.
Issues such as device malfunction, lead migration, and infections have left patients dealing with new or worsened pain.
As a result, lawsuits have been filed against both healthcare providers and device manufacturers to seek compensation for these life-altering injuries.
If you were injured by a defective spinal cord stimulator or due to a negligent surgery involving a spinal cord stimulator device, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation.
Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit instantly.
Your lawyers will help you gather evidence for your claim and assess damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of spinal cord stimulator injuries on your life.
Gathering Evidence for Your Lawsuit
Building a strong spinal cord stimulator lawsuit requires thorough and organized evidence to prove negligence or defect and demonstrate the impact on your health and well-being.
Essential documentation strengthens your case and can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Key types of evidence include:
- Medical Records: Documentation of complications, surgeries, or adverse effects caused by the spinal cord stimulator.
- Device Information: Details about the specific spinal cord stimulator model, including serial numbers and manufacturer information.
- Surgical Reports: Records of the implantation procedure and any subsequent surgeries related to the device.
- Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of injuries, scars, or the malfunctioning device.
- Expert Testimony: Opinions from medical or engineering experts who can link your injuries to device defects or surgical errors.
Gathering this evidence ensures that your claim is supported by credible and comprehensive information.
TruLaw can assist you in compiling and organizing this evidence to build a compelling case.
Damages in Spinal Cord Stimulator Claims
Victims of defective spinal cord stimulators or negligent surgeries may suffer a range of physical, emotional, and financial damages.
Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for these losses and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common damages in spinal cord stimulator claims include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery or inability to return to employment.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and its long-term impact.
- Permanent Injuries: Damages for lasting complications, such as nerve damage, scarring, or chronic pain.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy daily activities or maintain an independent lifestyle.
An experienced spinal cord stimulator attorney will help assess the full scope of your damages and fight for maximum compensation to address your injuries and future needs.
Contact TruLaw today to learn how we can help you achieve justice and financial recovery.
TruLaw: Investigating the Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit
TruLaw is actively investigating spinal cord stimulator lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have suffered injuries or complications due to defective devices or negligent medical care.
Spinal cord stimulators, intended to provide relief from chronic pain, have instead caused severe physical and emotional harm to many patients.
Issues such as device malfunctions, incorrect placement, lead migration, and infections have left individuals dealing with worsened pain, additional surgeries, and long-term health challenges.
Our team understands the complexities of spinal cord stimulator cases, which often involve both defective medical devices and medical malpractice.
We are committed to holding manufacturers and healthcare providers accountable for their actions and ensuring that injured patients receive the compensation they deserve.
Whether your case involves a defective device design, insufficient safety warnings, or medical errors during implantation, TruLaw is here to help.
If you or a loved one have experienced injuries related to a spinal cord stimulator, contact TruLaw today.
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case review and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to hire a Spinal Cord Stimulator lawyer?
Hiring a spinal cord stimulator lawyer often involves no upfront costs, as most personal injury and defective medical device cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
This means your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf, either through a settlement or a court verdict.
The contingency fee structure allows injured individuals to pursue justice without worrying about the financial burden of legal fees.
The exact percentage of the contingency fee will vary depending on the law firm, but it typically ranges from 30% to 40% of the recovered amount.
During your initial consultation, your attorney will explain the fee structure in detail, ensuring you fully understand the terms before proceeding with your case.
Many spinal cord stimulator lawyers also cover the upfront costs associated with investigating your claim, such as gathering medical records, consulting with experts, and filing necessary legal documents.
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What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit is a legal action brought by individuals who have experienced severe injuries or complications due to a defective spinal cord stimulator device or medical errors during its implantation.
These lawsuits aim to hold device manufacturers or healthcare providers accountable for their negligence.
Plaintiffs typically seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their injuries.
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What injuries can defective Spinal Cord Stimulators cause?
Defective spinal cord stimulators can lead to a range of severe injuries, including worsened chronic pain, nerve damage, device migration, and infections.
In some cases, patients may experience electrical shocks or malfunctions requiring additional surgeries.
These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
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How do I know if my Spinal Cord Stimulator was defective?
You may suspect your spinal cord stimulator is defective if you experience unexpected pain, electrical shocks, or complications like lead migration or battery failure.
A detailed review of your medical records and the device’s performance history can help identify defects.
Consulting with a lawyer experienced in medical device lawsuits is essential to determine if your injuries are linked to a defective stimulator.
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Who can be held liable in a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
Liability in a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit may rest with the device manufacturer for design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings about risks.
Healthcare providers can also be held accountable for negligence during implantation or follow-up care.
In many cases, lawsuits involve multiple defendants to address all sources of harm.
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What compensation can I seek in a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
In a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses related to treating your injuries, both past and future.
Additional damages may include lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and costs for rehabilitation or physical therapy.
In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter future misconduct by manufacturers or healthcare providers.
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What is the process for a Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery?
The process for spinal cord stimulator surgery involves a trial period followed by a permanent implantation if the trial is successful.
During the spinal cord stimulator trial, temporary leads are inserted near the spinal cord to test whether the device effectively reduces pain.
If the trial provides significant pain relief, a second spinal surgery is performed to permanently implant the leads and pulse generator.
Steps for Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery:
- Initial Consultation: The doctor evaluates your condition and determines if you are a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator.
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial: Temporary leads are implanted, and the patient tests the device for several days to assess its effectiveness.
- Evaluation of Results: The doctor reviews the trial outcomes to determine whether to proceed with permanent implantation.
- Permanent Implantation Surgery: If successful, a spinal surgery is performed to implant permanent leads and the pulse generator under the skin.
- Device Programming and Recovery: The stimulator is programmed, and the patient begins a recovery period with regular follow-ups for adjustments.
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Why are spinal cord stimulation devices used?
Spinal cord stimulation devices are used to relieve pain in patients suffering from chronic conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments.
A spinal cord stimulator procedure is typically recommended for managing severe back pain, leg pain, or neuropathic pain resulting from nerve damage or spinal cord injuries.
By delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord, the devices block pain signals before they reach the brain, offering an alternative to long-term medication use or repeated surgeries.
Patients who experience significant pain relief may improve their mobility, reduce their reliance on opioids, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Spinal cord stimulation is often viewed as a last resort to relieve pain when other therapies have failed.
Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!
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