Wisner Baum LLP attorneys have been appointed to key leadership roles in the multidistrict litigation concerning Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulators. The appointments mark a shift from individual filings to coordinated federal proceedings.

Behram V. Parekh, a partner at the firm’s Los Angeles office, has been named one of three Co-Lead Counsel in Boston Scientific Corporation Spinal Cord Stimulator Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3181. Associate attorney Hannah Quicksell was appointed to the litigation’s Leadership Development Committee.

Federal Coordination Begins

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation established MDL No. 3181 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The cases are pending before U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton.

As Co-Lead Counsel, Parekh will coordinate plaintiffs’ pretrial activities, develop the litigation plan, and manage common-issue and bellwether discovery. Quicksell and other committee members will work with senior leadership on litigation projects and participate in court presentations.

Regulatory and Safety Allegations

Plaintiffs allege that spinal cord stimulators failed to deliver promised pain relief and caused injuries including painful electrical shocks, worsening pain, and neurological symptoms. The lawsuits also challenge how manufacturers modified devices after original U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals.

Attorneys argue that manufacturers made extensive changes to software, firmware, battery systems, and stimulation patterns through the FDA’s premarket approval supplement process without conducting new clinical trials to evaluate cumulative effects.

Broader Industry Scrutiny

The Boston Scientific MDL addresses one portion of broader spinal cord stimulator litigation. Attorneys are seeking to consolidate federal cases against Abbott and Nevro. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is scheduled to consider those requests at a September 24 hearing.

Parekh noted that if additional cases are coordinated, the litigation could provide a broader look at practices across the spinal cord stimulation industry, examining evidence supporting devices, post-implantation risks, and information provided to patients.

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) identified a cybersecurity incident on August 25, 2026, causing global operational disruptions. The breach limits access to systems critical for processing and shipping customer orders.

The company activated its incident response plan and engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to contain the threat. In a Wednesday SEC filing, Boston Scientific noted that system access remains limited and the timeline for full restoration is currently unknown.

Operational Impact

The incident has disrupted key operational aspects, specifically limiting the ability to process and ship customer orders. These limitations are expected to continue as the investigation proceeds. The company has not determined whether the incident is reasonably likely to have a material impact on the company.

Recent Financial Context

Amid the cyber incident, Boston Scientific reported revenues of $5.442 billion for the recent quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.361 billion and management guidance of $5.34 billion-$5.44 billion. However, the company had previously cut its fiscal 2026 outlook, citing pressures in the Watchman and EP markets.

Boston Scientific shares were down 4.32% at $47.70 at the time of publication on Wednesday.