Lawsuit Information Center
About Spinal Cord Stimulators
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device designed to treat back pain. The device sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord that disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Instead of feeling pain, patients may feel a gentle tingling sensation—or, with newer systems, no sensation at all.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits: Allegations of Defective Medical Devices
Across the United States, patients are filing lawsuits involving spinal cord stimulators (SCS), alleging these implantable pain-management devices were defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous. According to FDA adverse-event data, thousands of complaints have been reported involving spinal cord stimulators, including burns, infections, device migration, electrical malfunction, and the need for repeated corrective surgeries.
Major manufacturers—including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, and Nevro Corp—are accused of failing to adequately warn patients and physicians about known risks associated with these devices. Independent scientific studies have raised concerns that spinal cord stimulators are prone to lead migration, hardware failure, and electrical defects, which can result in serious neurological injury and long-term complications.
Many patients report they were never fully informed of these dangers before implantation. After suffering burns, infections, worsening pain, paralysis, or undergoing revision surgeries or complete device removal, patients often face significant physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. As a result, injured individuals and their families are pursuing spinal cord stimulator lawsuits to seek compensation and accountability.
Elderly Patient Dies After Colon Complication Following SCS Implant
In mid-December, an elderly man received a spinal cord stimulator to treat chronic pain. Shortly after implantation, he developed Ogilvie’s syndrome—a dangerous condition causing acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The swelling became so severe that it ruptured his cecum, triggered multiple organ failure, and ultimately led to his death. The condition is believed to be linked to complications from the spinal cord stimulator. Similar reports involving electrocution, infections, and device migration have prompted patients and families nationwide to pursue legal claims against device manufacturers.
Virginia Woman Sues FDA and Boston Scientific Over Defective Device
Virginia resident Ollie Wilson had a WaveWriter Alpha spinal cord stimulator implanted to relieve chronic pain. She alleges the device electrocuted her, migrated from its original position, and caused worsening pain. Wilson claims company representatives altered the device without her physician present and dismissed her concerns—despite FDA adverse-event data showing similar injuries in other patients. She alleges negligence by both Boston Scientific and the FDA for allowing continued sales of a device that differed from its original approved design.
Patient Alleges FDA Wrongfully Approved Defective Stimulator
Dena Lawler filed suit against Boston Scientific and the FDA after her Spectra WaveWriter spinal cord stimulator migrated, causing severe pain and heart complications. Lawler claims the manufacturer failed to disclose known defects and that the FDA improperly allowed continued production of a significantly altered device without requiring new safety approvals.
More Patients Report Life-Altering Injuries
Additional patients have come forward describing catastrophic injuries after SCS implantation. One patient reports being virtually paralyzed, while another suffers debilitating pain that prevents daily functioning. Thousands of similar claims nationwide allege that manufacturers and regulators overstated benefits while minimizing risks.
Considering a Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one experienced complications after spinal cord stimulator implantation—including electrocution, burns, infections, neurological injury, or repeated surgeries—you may have legal options. Lawsuits seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disability, while holding manufacturers accountable for unsafe products and inadequate warnings.
Contact Us About Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits
Our firm is seeking spinal cord stimulator lawsuits across the country. If you have suffered physical or mental harm as a result of a spinal cord stimulator, call us today for a free case evaluation. Call us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.