Davis & Crump is currently investigating claims on behalf of individuals and their families that have been harmed by defective and dangerous spinal cord stimulators.
A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted medical device that sends electrical impulses directly into the area surrounding the spinal cord to relieve chronic pain. During recent years, serious complications have been linked to these devices. The attorneys at Davis & Crump, P.C. are currently investigating cases related to spinal cord stimulators in all 50 states. If you or someone you know had a spinal cord stimulator implanted, it is important to understand the basic facts to determine whether you may have a lawsuit.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable, paddle-shaped medical device that treats chronic pain through the emission of electrical impulses near the spinal cord. These impulses produce a tingling sensation that alters the perception of pain. The device is implanted into the epidural space (outermost area of the spinal canal). The stimulator is then sutured into place and is controlled by a pulse generator that is usually implanted in the patient’s hip. The device can be controlled remotely by the patient as his/her pain requires.
Dangers of spinal cord stimulators:
Spinal cord stimulators can cause severe side effects. Spinal cord stimulators can break, damage the spinal cord, fail to stop the pain due to incorrect placement, move out of position, or cause other painful injuries that require removal surgery. One of the most common problems with spinal cord stimulators is device migration. This occurs when the device electrodes move out of position, so the stimulator does not block pain very well. It requires a second surgery to put the electrodes back into the proper position.
In 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) published a letter to healthcare providers outlining 428 reports of death related to spinal cord stimulators. The letter also described thousands of injuries and malfunctions with spinal cord stimulators. More specifically, the FDA cited 107,728 adverse event reports, or reports of potential injuries or problems caused by spinal cord stimulators, submitted within the last four years. Further, the FDA described over 30,000 reports of unsatisfactory pain relief from spinal cord stimulators. These numbers are staggering, considering that injuries caused by medical devices are known to be vastly underreported.
Injuries linked to spinal cord stimulators:
Spinal cord stimulators have been linked to the following injuries:
- Unsatisfactory pain relief
- Worsened pain
- Need for a second surgery
- Burning or electric shock by the device
- Lead wire fracture or migration
- Gastroparesis or “stomach paralysis”
- Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
- Fecal and urinary incontinence
- Cognitive complications, including dizziness, fainting, or vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Electrode migration
- Dural puncture
- Spinal cord trauma
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Death
Patients who have been implanted with these medical devices and have encountered these adverse consequences should consider seeking legal counsel for a thorough investigation of their cases.
Do I have a claim?
Our legal team is helping individuals and their families who have been harmed by spinal cord stimulators. We are offering a free legal consultation and case evaluation. There is no out-of-pocket cost to you to have our firm represent you in this case. Davis & Crump is only paid an attorney’s fee if a recovery is made in your case.
Why choose Davis & Crump?
Davis & Crump has handled complex product liability litigation since 1984. We have recovered over one billion dollars for our clients. Our attorneys are leaders in complex cases and are recognized in such publications as Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Super Lawyers.
Davis & Crump is experienced in complex product liability litigation and settlements. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a spinal cord stimulator, call us at 1-800-277-0300, email us at info@daviscrump.com, or fill out a free case evaluation form here. Time is of the essence, so act now.
