Medtronic Lawsuit 2026, $382M Antitrust Verdict Over Surgical Devices Monopoly—Not A Consumer Settlement, But Spinal Cord Stimulator Patients Have Legal Rights
A California federal jury ordered Medtronic to pay $382 million on February 5, 2026—but this is not a consumer class action settlement. The verdict involves business competitor Applied Medical, not patients. However, thousands of Medtronic spinal cord stimulator patients are filing separate lawsuits for device malfunctions causing paralysis, burns, and infections.
Understanding the difference between these cases is critical if you’re searching for Medtronic settlement information.
The $382 Million Verdict: Business Dispute, Not Consumer Settlement
The U.S. District Court jury in Santa Ana, California found Medtronic violated federal antitrust law through pricing and contracting practices tied to its LigaSure surgical device. Applied Medical Resources, which sells the competing Voyant vessel sealing device, accused Medtronic of unlawfully monopolizing the surgical device market.
Applied Medical claimed Medtronic used its dominance to promote bundling agreements with hospital systems and group purchasing organizations. The jury determined Medtronic sold LigaSure below cost and bundled it with other products to block competition.
Medtronic plans to appeal and maintains surgeons “choose Medtronic’s LigaSure device time and again because it outperforms Applied’s Voyant.” This verdict has zero impact on consumer patients—no claims are available.
The Real Consumer Issue: Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits
While the LigaSure verdict dominates headlines, a far more significant consumer issue involves Medtronic’s spinal cord stimulators. Since 2008, the FDA has received more than 80,000 spinal cord stimulator injury reports, with Medtronic among the manufacturers facing thousands of product liability lawsuits.
Patients report complications including electrocution, new or worsening nerve pain, paralysis, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Two patients—Jim Taft and Lisa Snyder—have spoken publicly about severe complications, with Jim now “virtually paralyzed” and Lisa experiencing debilitating pain.
Similar to concerns raised in the Kaiser Caught Sharing Your Medical Data With Google And Microsoft, case, these medical device failures raise serious questions about corporate responsibility for patient safety.
Medtronic InPen Settlement: One Active Consumer Settlement
Medtronic MiniMed agreed to pay $475,000 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging improper disclosure of users’ personal and health-related information through the InPen Diabetes Management App. The settlement received final approval September 18, 2025.
However, the claim deadline passed June 21, 2025. If you missed it, no compensation remains available from this settlement. This demonstrates why acting quickly on settlement deadlines matters—similar to timing issues in the Continuum Health Class Action Settlement Pays Up To $5,000—380,000 Patients’ Social Security Numbers And Medical Records Exposed case.
Who Qualifies For Spinal Cord Stimulator Lawsuits?
Individuals who received spinal cord stimulator implants from Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Nevro, or St. Jude after 2013 may be eligible to participate in ongoing litigation. Specific Medtronic models facing scrutiny include the Intellis, Inceptiv, Vanta, and Restore series.
One complaint alleges Medtronic changed the design and features of its spinal cord stimulator dozens of times since receiving FDA approval in 1984 without notifying the FDA or requesting approval for updates. This allegedly put hundreds of patients at risk by marketing unapproved device versions.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Settlement Amounts
According to legal databases, the average settlement for people hurt by spinal cord stimulators is $1.9 million. Individual case values vary based on injury severity, medical expenses, revision surgeries required, and permanent disability.
No multidistrict litigation (MDL) currently consolidates these cases, meaning each lawsuit proceeds individually. Attorneys evaluate cases based on documented complications, medical records proving device failure, and proof of manufacturer negligence.
How To File A Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator Claim
If you suffered complications from a Medtronic spinal cord stimulator, preserve the device if removed—this evidence proves defectiveness. Document all symptoms, keep medical records, and maintain receipts for expenses and lost wages.
Contact a product liability attorney specializing in medical device litigation. Most operate on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless you win compensation. Statutes of limitations typically allow two years fro MHCC Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Approved, McLaren Health Care Data Breach Victims Can Claim Up To $5,000 Before April 2026 Hearing article, documentation determines claim success.
What Medtronic Says
Medtronic maintains its spinal cord stimulators meet FDA approval standards and provide effective pain relief. The company argues complications result from inherent surgical risks and patient-specific factors rather than device defects.
However, the FDA has issued at least 44 recalls for spinal cord stimulation devices, with more than 20 issued in the last four years alone. Some recalls involved Medtronic products.
The Bottom Line
The $382 million LigaSure verdict against Medtronic is not a consumer settlement—you cannot file a claim. However, if you suffered injuries from Medtronic spinal cord stimulators, separate product liability lawsuits remain available with potential compensation exceeding $1 million based on injury severity.
Act quickly. Evidence preservation and timely filing determine whether you can hold Medtronic accountable for medical device failures that changed your life.
Last Updated: February 6, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides legal information and is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified product liability attorney about your specific situation.
Injured by a defective medical device? Document everything and seek legal counsel immediately.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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