Question 1

What is the Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator MDL?

Accepted Answer

The Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator MDL is a federal multidistrict litigation that centralizes similar lawsuits alleging Boston Scientific pain management devices caused injuries such as electrical shocks, lead migration, loss of pain relief, neurological problems, and revision surgery. The MDL is pending in the Central District of California.

Question 2

Why were Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits consolidated into an MDL?

Accepted Answer

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation found that the lawsuits share common allegations involving device design, FDA approval history, warnings, testing, lead migration, electrical shocks, neurological injuries, and Boston Scientific's handling of spinal cord stimulator systems.

Question 3

What injuries are alleged in Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits?

Accepted Answer

Reported injuries include painful electrical shocks, burning sensations, loss of pain relief, lead migration, neurological injuries, autonomic dysfunction, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, revision surgery, and device removal procedures.

Question 4

Can I file a lawsuit if my Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator stopped working?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Many lawsuits involve allegations that Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulators unexpectedly lost therapy, failed to provide pain relief, shut down, required repeated reprogramming, or otherwise malfunctioned after implantation.

Question 5

What is lead migration in a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

Lead migration occurs when the wires delivering electrical stimulation move from their intended location near the spinal cord. This can result in loss of pain relief, stimulation in the wrong area, painful shocks, worsening symptoms, and the need for revision surgery.

Question 6

Can I qualify for a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit if I had revision or removal surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Individuals who required revision surgery to reposition components or explant surgery to remove a spinal cord stimulator may be eligible to pursue compensation if the procedure was caused by device failure, lead migration, or other complications.

Question 7

What role do Boston Scientific sales representatives play in the lawsuits?

Accepted Answer

Some lawsuits allege Boston Scientific representatives participated in programming devices, advised healthcare providers during procedures, recommended stimulation settings, and influenced treatment decisions involving implanted spinal cord stimulators.

Question 8

Are Abbott, Medtronic, and Nevro spinal cord stimulator lawsuits part of the Boston Scientific MDL?

Accepted Answer

No. The JPML created an MDL only for Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuits. Claims involving Abbott, Medtronic, and Nevro devices continue to move forward separately in courts around the country.

Question 9

What compensation may be available in a spinal cord stimulator lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, revision surgery costs, device removal surgery, pain and suffering, permanent nerve damage, future medical treatment, and reduced quality of life caused by spinal cord stimulator complications.

Question 10

How do I know if I qualify for a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

You may qualify if you received a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator and later experienced electrical shocks, lead migration, loss of pain relief, neurological symptoms, device malfunction, revision surgery, or removal surgery. A lawyer can review your medical records and device history to determine eligibility.

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