Who Qualifies for a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit?
- Last Updated: March 26th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 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.
Legally Reviewed
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.
Fact-Checked
TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Key takeaways:
- Spinal stimulator lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements, including a recent $4.5 million jury award for medical malpractice involving incorrect device implantation.
- Patients may qualify for spinal stimulator lawsuits if they experience serious complications and worsening pain that require additional surgeries after implantation.
- Multiple manufacturers face spinal stimulator lawsuits, including Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Nevro, and St. Jude, with settlements ranging from $275,000 to over $1,000,000.
FAQ: Who Qualifies for a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit?
Question: Who qualifies for a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit?
Answer: You may qualify for a spinal stimulator lawsuit if you experienced serious complications from a defective device, including severe pain, nerve damage, paralysis, infection, or required revision surgeries.
On this page, we’ll answer this question in further depth, examining spinal cord stimulation and legal claims, qualifying factors for spinal stimulator lawsuits, and much more.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices and Patient Injuries
Spinal cord stimulators are implantable medical devices designed to relieve chronic pain by sending mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against manufacturers such as Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Nevro, and St. Jude Medical after experiencing life-altering complications from these devices.
The recent $4.5 million jury verdict in a Chatham County medical malpractice case highlights the serious nature of these claims and the substantial compensation patients may receive for their suffering.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries related to a defective or malfunctioning spinal cord stimulator, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
How Can A Spinal Cord Stimulator Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
Our Spinal Cord Stimulator attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuit.
With extensive experience in product liability cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how defective spinal cord stimulator devices caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages resulting from your spinal cord stimulator injury.
We understand the physical and emotional toll that Spinal Cord Stimulator complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead Spinal Cord Stimulator attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does hiring a Spinal Cord Stimulator lawyer from TruLaw cost?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one experienced complications from spinal cord stimulator implants such as nerve damage, device migration, infection, or electrical shock, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuit today.
Qualifying Factors for Spinal Stimulator Lawsuits
To pursue a legal claim involving a spinal stimulator, patients must demonstrate specific conditions that establish liability.
These factors include documented injuries directly linked to device malfunction, medical proof of harm, and evidence showing the device didn’t perform as intended.
An attorney with experience in medical device litigation can evaluate your situation to determine if you have grounds for a case.
Documented Severe Injuries from Stimulator Malfunction
When spinal cord stimulators fail or malfunction, they can cause substantial harm to patients who are seeking pain relief.
Records show the FDA received over 80,000 adverse event reports related to these devices between 2004 and 2019, including 156,817 injuries and 931 deaths.
These serious complications may include, but are not limited to:
- Electrical shocks can cause tissue damage
- Burns at the implant site
- Nerve damage ranging from mild weakness to complete paralysis
- Migration of device components that causes new pain
- Hardware failures requiring additional surgeries
- Infections that can spread to surrounding tissues
The severity and permanence of these injuries play a major role in determining whether a lawsuit is viable.
Medical documentation that clearly connects the device to the resulting harm strengthens a potential case.
Evidence of Defective Medical Device Performance
Proving that a spinal stimulator was defective requires specific types of evidence that establish the device didn’t function as designed, manufactured, or marketed.
Device manufacturers have a responsibility to warn patients and healthcare providers about potential risks.
Among the evidence that might be necessary for a successful claim are:
- Medical records documenting proper implantation but subsequent device failure
- Expert testimony from medical professionals about device performance issues
- Documentation of device recalls or FDA warnings related to the specific model
- Evidence of manufacturing defects through examination of the removed device
- Proof that warnings about risks were inadequate or missing entirely
- Battery failures or electrical malfunctions causing harm
Most spinal stimulator lawsuits center on product liability claims (defective design or manufacturing) or failure to warn patients about risks.
Some cases may also involve medical malpractice if healthcare providers improperly implanted or managed the devices.
If you or someone you love has experienced complications after receiving a spinal cord stimulator implant, you may be eligible to pursue legal action against the device manufacturer or medical provider.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit today.
Common Spinal Cord Injuries in Stimulator Cases
Patients who experience problems with spinal stimulators often face unexpected pain and complications.
The very devices meant to improve their quality of life can sometimes cause additional suffering.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury from Failed Devices
The spinal cord is remarkably sensitive to pressure, electrical signals, and physical disruption.
When stimulator devices fail, they can damage this vital structure in several ways.
The FDA has flagged spinal cord stimulators as the third most dangerous medical device based on injury reports.
Typical injuries caused by spinal cord stimulators include, but are not limited to:
- Compression injuries occur when electrode leads move or migrate
- Direct trauma during implantation surgery
- Spinal epidural hematomas (blood collection causing pressure)
- Nerve damage from excessive electrical stimulation
- Inflammation of surrounding tissues
- Scarring around the spinal cord that causes further pain
- Permanent nerve damage that can lead to paralysis
The most severe cases involve permanent damage to the spinal cord that causes long-term disability.
In some instances, patients have reported worsening of their original pain condition, creating a situation where they suffer more than before the implant.
When Pain Relief Devices Cause Additional Suffering
The irony of pain management devices causing more pain represents a particularly troubling aspect of failed spinal stimulators.
Patients who sought relief from chronic pain often face new challenges when their devices malfunction.
Patients with malfunctioning stimulators often experience some or all of the following:
- Shocking sensations that interrupt daily activities and sleep
- Burning feelings around the implantation site
- New pain patterns different from the original condition
- Psychological distress from unpredictable device performance
- Loss of mobility due to pain or nerve damage
- Inability to undergo necessary medical imaging like MRIs
- Need for additional surgeries to remove or replace the device
Research shows that approximately 30% to 40% of spinal cord stimulator patients experience one or more complications.
For many patients, the need to remove a failed device means returning to their original pain management challenges while also dealing with new injuries and trauma from the failed implant.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries related to a defective or malfunctioning spinal cord stimulator, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the spinal stimulator lawsuit today.
Financial Recovery in Spinal Stimulator Lawsuits
Successful spinal stimulator lawsuits can provide monetary compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
These settlements aim to make patients whole after suffering harm from devices meant to improve their lives.
Working with experienced attorneys helps ensure all aspects of financial impact are properly valued.
Calculating Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment
Spinal stimulator cases involve substantial medical costs that extend far beyond the initial injury.
The financial burden often continues for years or decades, requiring careful accounting of all related expenses.
A comprehensive calculation of damages should account for costs such as:
- Surgeries to remove or replace failed devices
- Hospital stays related to complications
- Ongoing pain management treatments
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Medications needed to manage new or worsened pain
- Adaptive equipment for mobility issues
- Home modifications if disability results
- Travel expenses for specialized medical care
The initial cost of spinal cord stimulator implantation ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, but the lifetime expenses can be much higher.
Battery replacements every 2-5 years can add thousands of dollars per procedure.
For younger patients, this could mean multiple surgeries over their lifetime, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Compensation for Lost Income and Future Damages
Beyond medical expenses, spinal stimulator lawsuits seek compensation for the broader impact on a patient’s life and earning capacity.
These non-medical damages often represent a significant portion of the overall recovery.
Potential areas for financial compensation in these cases generally include:
- Lost wages during recovery periods
- Reduced earning capacity if unable to return to previous work
- Diminished retirement benefits
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- In-home care needs
- Future medical costs throughout the patient’s lifetime
Settlement values vary widely based on factors like injury severity, age of the patient, and lifelong impact.
Reports indicate that typical settlement amounts for spinal cord stimulator cases range between $275,000 and $600,000.
Permanently implanted stimulators may add approximately $100,000 to $275,000 to a case’s settlement value when future maintenance costs are properly calculated.
If you or someone you love has experienced complications after receiving a spinal cord stimulator implant, you may be eligible to pursue legal action against the device manufacturer or medical provider.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit today.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Spinal Stimulator Lawsuit
Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were injured by defective or malfunctioning spinal cord stimulators.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the spinal cord stimulator lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your spinal cord stimulator lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The spinal cord stimulator lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have decades of experience handling medical device cases similar to the spinal cord stimulator lawsuit.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries related to a defective or malfunctioning spinal cord stimulator, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the spinal cord stimulator lawsuit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the average settlement amount for spinal stimulator lawsuits?
Settlement amounts for spinal stimulator lawsuits typically range from $275,000 to over $1,000,000. The exact compensation depends on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, manufacturer liability, and evidence quality.
Many cases involve defective devices from Abbott, Medtronic, or Boston Scientific.
-
How long do spinal stimulators last before potential failure?
Spinal stimulators have a median lifespan of 8.2 years for primary cell devices and 9.0 years for rechargeable cell devices.
However, premature device failure is a common basis for spinal stimulator lawsuits, with many patients experiencing complications requiring removal or replacement before the expected lifespan.
-
What safety precautions should patients be aware of with spinal stimulators?
Patients with spinal stimulators should avoid activities that stress the implanted system components.
Rechargeable units may cause skin irritation near the implant site.
These devices haven’t been established as safe for pediatric use, pregnancy, or delivery—issues often cited in spinal stimulator lawsuits when proper warnings aren’t provided.
-
Which manufacturers are facing spinal stimulator lawsuits?
Major manufacturers facing spinal stimulator lawsuits include Abbott (formerly St. Jude Medical), Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Nevro.
Plaintiffs typically allege these companies produced defective devices, failed to provide adequate warnings, or misrepresented product safety and effectiveness to patients and physicians.
-
What complications have led to spinal stimulator lawsuits?
Spinal stimulator lawsuits often arise from complications including device migration, lead fractures, battery malfunctions, painful electrical shocks, infection, paralysis, and neurological damage.
Many plaintiffs report these complications caused worse pain than their original condition, requiring additional surgeries for device removal.
-
How are verdicts and settlements determined in spinal stimulator lawsuits?
Verdicts and settlements in spinal stimulator lawsuits are determined by evaluating permanent injury severity, required revision surgeries, economic damages (medical costs and lost wages), and manufacturer negligence.
Cases with strong evidence of device defects or corporate misconduct typically receive higher compensation through individual claims or class action litigation.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman 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 the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
You can learn more about the Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
At TruLaw, we fiercely combat corporations that endanger individuals’ well-being. If you’ve suffered injuries and believe these well-funded entities should be held accountable, we’re here for you.
With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
Do you believe you’re entitled to compensation?
Use our Instant Case Evaluator to find out in as little as 60 seconds!
AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.
Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.
Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.
Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.
Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.
Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).
Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.
Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
