Abbott Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuit

A woman named Kim Doherty filed a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories and Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., also known as Abbott Medical. Doherty alleges that the company's spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices, which include systems like Proclaim XR, Proclaim, Eterna, and FlexBurst360, have defective leads and implantable pulse generators (IPGs) that can fail. These failures allegedly cause worsening pain, neurological injuries, and other health complications.

The core allegations center on the devices' electrical leads and IPGs having an unacceptably high failure rate. The complaint specifies potential issues such as lead fractures, insulation breaches, lead migration, and IPG or battery malfunctions, which can interrupt therapy and cause uncontrolled electrical stimulation, burns, and permanent nerve damage. The lawsuit asserts claims for strict liability based on manufacturing and design defects, failure to warn, and corporate negligence.

Doherty was implanted with an Abbott SCS device in April 2019 and began experiencing worsening symptoms in 2020. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and other relief. For more information, the complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.