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Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits: Boston Scientific, Abbott and Nevro
Lawsuits claim that some spinal cord stimulators, implanted to treat chronic pain, failed to relieve pain or caused injuries such as shocks, burns and lead migration that required more surgery. In 2026 federal cases were grouped by manufacturer rather than in one combined case.
By SettlementLift. Published · Updated .
What is alleged
Plaintiffs allege device defects, inadequate warnings and changes made through supplemental approvals without enough testing. The manufacturers deny the claims. Medical devices approved through the FDA’s premarket approval process raise preemption questions that can limit some claims.
Separate MDLs by manufacturer
The federal panel declined to create one industry-wide MDL. Boston Scientific cases (MDL 3181) are before Judge Josephine L. Staton in the Central District of California, with 41 pending as of October 1, 2026. MDLs for Abbott (MDL 3194, Northern District of Illinois) and Nevro (MDL 3195, Northern District of California) were created in October 2026.
JPML: Pending MDL dockets by actions pending (October 1, 2026) ↗Medtronic devices
Medtronic stimulators are not part of these MDLs. Cases against Medtronic are proceeding individually in different courts.
Records that matter
The device brand and model, trial and implant dates, programming and follow-up records, records of revision or removal surgery, and notes describing the symptoms.
Deadlines
Each state sets its own filing deadline, and the clock often starts when you knew or should have known about the injury and its possible cause. Joining an MDL does not pause your state’s deadline, so ask a lawyer promptly if you are considering a claim.
Talking to a lawyer
Mass tort lawyers usually work on contingency, meaning they are paid a percentage of any recovery. Ask how the fee is calculated, which costs you could owe, whether your case would be filed in the MDL or in state court, and who will handle it day to day. SettlementLift is not a law firm and does not take or refer these cases.
ABA: Questions to ask a lawyer ↗Frequently asked questions
Which spinal cord stimulator brands are in lawsuits?
Federal MDLs exist for Boston Scientific, Abbott and Nevro devices. Medtronic cases are proceeding separately.
Is there a spinal cord stimulator settlement?
No settlement had been announced as of October 19, 2026. These MDLs are at an early stage.