Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit Lawyer
Your Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator was supposed to provide you with relief from chronic pain. Instead of improving your quality of life, it created more problems, more bills, and more uncertainty.
If your spinal cord stimulator failed, shifted, stopped working, caused infection, increased your pain, or required revision surgery or removal, you deserve answers.
Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits allege that certain devices were defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed, and that patients and doctors were not adequately warned about serious risks. These claims may involve device failure, lead migration, infection, battery problems, loss of pain relief, additional surgeries, and other complications.
At Ankin Law, we help people understand their rights when a medical device causes harm instead of healing. Our team can review your implant records, medical history, revision or removal records, and complications to determine whether you have a claim.
“You trusted this device to help control your pain. If it created new problems or led to another surgery, we will investigate what went wrong and whether the manufacturer should be held accountable.”
~ Attorney Howard Ankin
Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
What Is a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator is an implanted medical device used to help manage chronic pain. The device sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain.
For many patients, a spinal cord stimulator is not the first treatment they try. It may be recommended after medications, injections, therapy, surgery, or other treatments fail to provide enough relief. Patients may receive these devices for chronic back pain, leg pain, failed back surgery syndrome, nerve-related pain, or complex regional pain syndrome.
The system usually includes implanted leads, a pulse generator, and a controller that allows the patient to adjust stimulation settings. When the device works properly, it may help reduce pain and improve daily function.
When it does not work properly, the consequences can be serious. Lead migration, infection, battery problems, device malfunction, loss of pain relief, increased pain, or complications near the implant site may require additional treatment, revision surgery, replacement, or removal of the device.
Why Are People Filing Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits?
People are filing Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits because they allege the devices failed, shifted, malfunctioned, caused complications, or did not perform as patients and doctors were led to expect.
Many patients agreed to a spinal cord stimulator because they were already living with serious chronic pain. When the device fails, the result is not just disappointment. It can mean increased pain, loss of pain relief, infection, lead migration, battery problems, additional medical appointments, revision surgery, device replacement, or complete device removal.
These lawsuits may also allege that Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with its spinal cord stimulation systems. Patients argue that stronger warnings could have changed the decision to implant the device, the type of device selected, the monitoring after surgery, or the decision to remove or revise the device sooner.
Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits often focus on questions such as:
- Did the device fail or malfunction?
- Did the leads migrate or move out of place?
- Did the device cause infection, increased pain, or other complications?
- Did the patient need revision surgery or device removal?
- Were patients and doctors properly warned about known risks?
- Did the manufacturer respond appropriately to reports of complications?
- Did the device’s failure cause medical bills, lost income, or long-term pain?
A lawsuit is not just about a device that did not work. It is about whether a medical device company put a product into patients’ bodies without giving them the full information they needed to understand the risks.
Common Problems Associated With Spinal Cord Stimulators
While every case is different, several complications have been reported in connection with spinal cord stimulators.
Lead Migration
Lead migration occurs when the device’s electrical leads move from their intended position. Even slight movement can affect the effectiveness of the device and may increase pain symptoms. You may require additional procedures to reposition or replace the leads.
Infection
Any implanted medical device carries a risk of infection. In severe cases, infection may require hospitalization, removal of the device, or additional surgical treatment.
Device Failure
Some people report that the spinal cord stimulator stopped functioning properly after implantation. Device failure can result in the return of chronic pain and may require revision surgery.
Battery Problems
The implanted pulse generator relies on a battery to operate. Battery-related issues may interfere with stimulation therapy and create the need for replacement procedures.
Pain at the Implant Site
You may experience ongoing pain, discomfort, swelling, or irritation around the implanted device.
What Happens When a Spinal Cord Stimulator Fails?
When a spinal cord stimulator stops functioning properly, the effects can extend far beyond the loss of pain relief.
A device failure may result in:
- The return of severe pain symptoms
- Additional medical appointments
- Diagnostic testing
- Revision procedures
- Device replacement surgery
- Device removal surgery
You may find yourself missing work or limiting your activities while trying to determine the source of your symptoms. You may also require ongoing treatment long after the original implantation procedure.
When a medical device failure leads to additional procedures and expenses, the financial and emotional impact can become substantial. These consequences are often a central issue in product liability lawsuits involving spinal cord stimulators.
The History of Spinal Cord Stimulator Litigation
Concerns involving spinal cord stimulators are not new. Over the years, people have filed lawsuits involving various spinal cord stimulation systems after experiencing complications such as lead migration, device malfunctions, and injuries requiring additional surgeries.
Many lawsuits allege that people were not adequately warned about certain risks or that devices failed to perform as represented. As more reports of complications emerged, increased attention has been placed on device safety, manufacturer responsibilities, and the information provided to patients considering implantation.
While every case involves unique facts, these lawsuits raise important questions about medical device safety and consumer protection.
Who May Qualify for a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit?
You may have grounds to pursue a claim if you received a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator and:
- You needed revision surgery, replacement, or removal
- Your pain returned or worsened after implantation
- You developed an infection or implant-site complication
- Medical records connect your complications to the device
Not every complication automatically results in a lawsuit. However, if a device malfunction, design issue, or other defect contributed to your injuries, you may have grounds to pursue compensation. A thorough review of your medical records can help determine whether the device played a role in the problems you experienced.
Injuries Reported by Patients
Complications involving a spinal cord stimulator can affect more than your physical health. You may have chosen implantation after years of dealing with chronic pain and hoping for improved mobility and quality of life. When problems arise, you may face additional medical treatment, unexpected expenses, and ongoing limitations that affect your daily routine.
Reported injuries may include:
- Nerve damage
- Increased pain symptoms
- Reduced mobility
- Loss of therapeutic benefit
- Scar tissue formation
- Additional surgeries
The impact of these injuries varies from person to person. Some individuals require revision procedures to address device-related issues, while others undergo surgery to remove the spinal cord stimulator entirely. Recovery may involve additional appointments, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and continued pain management treatment.
For some people, the consequences extend beyond medical treatment and affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Ongoing pain and physical limitations can affect your ability to work, participate in family activities, and maintain the lifestyle you enjoyed before the implantation procedure. These effects are often an important consideration when evaluating a potential spinal cord stimulator lawsuit.
Compensation Available in Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits
A successful lawsuit may provide compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional impact of a defective medical device.
Medical Expenses
Compensation may include costs related to:
- Hospital treatment
- Revision surgery
- Device removal procedures
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical care
Lost Income
Your complications may force you to miss work or limit your ability to earn a living.
A claim may seek compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future income losses
Pain and Suffering
You may experience prolonged physical pain and significant disruptions to your daily life.
Compensation may be available for:
- Physical discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Mental anguish
Future Medical Care
You may require ongoing treatment long after the initial device failure. Future medical expenses may be considered when calculating damages.
How Medical Device Manufacturers Can Be Held Accountable
Medical device companies have a responsibility to design, manufacture, and market products that are reasonably safe when used as intended.
These responsibilities include:
- Conducting appropriate testing
- Monitoring device performance
- Investigating safety concerns
- Updating warnings when new risks emerge
- Providing accurate information to patients and physicians
When a manufacturer fails to meet these obligations, injured patients may have the right to pursue compensation through a product liability claim.
Why Chicago Residents Should Act Quickly
Illinois law limits the amount of time available to file many product liability lawsuits.
Waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve important evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Surgical reports
- Device information
- Imaging studies
- Physician documentation
If you believe a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator caused your injuries, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your legal rights.
Residents throughout Chicago, Cook County, and surrounding communities can benefit from an early case evaluation.
Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim
Building a strong medical device claim often requires substantial documentation. We review medical records, treatment histories, and information related to the spinal cord stimulator to better understand how the device may have contributed to your injuries.
Important evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Implantation records
- Device identification information
- Surgical reports
- Imaging studies
- Physician notes
- Documentation of complications
- Employment records showing lost income
You may worry that you do not have enough information to pursue a claim. Often, important records can be obtained from hospitals, surgeons, pain management specialists, and other healthcare providers. Documentation related to revision procedures, device removal surgeries, and ongoing treatment may also help establish the extent of your injuries and losses.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the easier it may be to investigate the circumstances surrounding a device failure and evaluate potential damages.
How Ankin Law Can Help
When a medical device causes unexpected complications, having the right legal team on your side can make a difference. At Ankin Law, we have spent decades helping injured individuals and families throughout Chicago and Illinois pursue compensation after serious injuries caused by negligence and defective products. Our attorneys also represent clients in a wide range of mass tort cases involving dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, and other products that allegedly caused harm.
We understand that a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit is about how complications have affected your health, your ability to work, and your daily life. Our team can investigate your claim, explain your legal options, and help you pursue fair and timely compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits
If you experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulator, you likely have questions about your legal rights and options. The following answers address some of the most common concerns.
What should I do if I believe my spinal cord stimulator caused an injury?
If you believe a spinal cord stimulator contributed to your injuries, it is important to seek appropriate medical care and keep records related to your treatment. Medical records, imaging studies, surgical reports, and documentation of complications may become important evidence. Speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your legal options and determine whether you may have a claim.
Can I file a lawsuit if I had the device removed?
Possibly. Many lawsuits involve individuals who underwent revision surgery or complete device removal after experiencing complications. The fact that a device has been removed does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a claim. Medical records and surgical documentation may help support your case.
How much is a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuit worth?
The value of a claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, and the overall impact on your life. A case evaluation can help identify the damages that may be available in your situation.
Do I have to go to court to pursue compensation?
Not necessarily. Many product liability cases are resolved through settlement negotiations before trial. However, every case is different. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, litigation may continue through the court system. An attorney can explain your options and help you determine the best path forward.
How long do spinal cord stimulator lawsuits take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence involved, and whether the matter settles or proceeds through litigation. Some claims resolve relatively quickly, while others require additional investigation and legal proceedings.
Get Help With a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit Today
If you experienced complications after receiving a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator, learning about your legal options is an important first step. A defective medical device can lead to additional procedures, unexpected medical expenses, and ongoing pain that affects nearly every aspect of your life.
Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 today to discuss your claim with our team. Consultations are free.