Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits

Updated October 2026

Spinal cord stimulators are implanted devices meant to relieve chronic pain. Lawsuits allege that some models caused shocks, burns, nerve damage and lead migration, or simply failed, leaving patients facing more surgery.

In 2026, federal courts created three new multidistrict litigations for these devices, one of them in Southern California.

Where the Litigation Stands

• Boston Scientific: MDL No. 3181, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, before Judge Josephine L. Staton (formed June 2026).
• Abbott: MDL No. 3194, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (formed October 2026).
• Nevro: MDL No. 3195, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (formed October 2026).
• All three are at an early stage. The manufacturers deny the claims.

Who May Qualify

• You have or had a Boston Scientific, Abbott or Nevro spinal cord stimulator
• You suffered shocks, burns, lead migration, nerve injury or worsening pain
• You needed revision or removal surgery, or the device never worked as promised

What to Gather

• Your implant and any revision or removal operative reports
• The device patient ID card, which shows the maker and model
• Pain management records describing the problem

Timing matters in these cases. Note the dates of your implant, the first problem and any removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know who made my stimulator?

Your device ID card or the implant operative report lists the manufacturer and model. We can help request records.

My device was removed. Do I still have a claim?

Possibly, especially if it was removed because of a malfunction or injury.

Is there a deadline?

Yes. Deadlines can run from when the problem started, so ask soon.