FAQ: Who Qualifies for the Suboxone Dental Lawsuit? [2024 Update]

Who Can File a Suboxone Lawsuit?

Despite its widespread use to treat opioid use disorder and withdrawal symptoms, taking Suboxone has been linked to an increased risk of severe dental decay, tooth loss, oral infections, and other dental injuries.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone and suffered severe tooth decay, you might be wondering if you qualify to file a lawsuit.

You may be eligible to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed Suboxone film or Suboxone tablets.
• You experienced worsening dental health, tooth erosion, or severe dental injuries.
• You were not warned about the risk of dental injuries while taking prescription Suboxone film or tablets.
• Your case is valid within your state’s statute of limitations for product liability cases.
• You have sufficient evidence relating to your claims, injuries, dental record, use of drugs and medications, and more.

While these general eligibility determinations provide an outlook on who may be eligible to file a Suboxone Lawsuit, it is essential that you contact an experienced lawyer for a free consultation to determine your eligibility.

TorHoerman Law provides free consultations for all potential clients interested in filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Lawsuit instantly.

Our instant case evaluator chatbot asks criteria-based questions to determine if you qualify to take action, and puts you in touch with our Suboxone Lawyers to follow-up later.

Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits fall under the category of product liability.

Product liability cases involve legal claims against manufacturers or sellers for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products, typically categorized into design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions.

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which a person can file a lawsuit and differs from state-to-state.

The point of a statute of limitations is to ensure lawsuits are filed while evidence is fresh and to provide a degree of certainty and finality for potential defendants after a reasonable time period.

Here’s the statute of limitations for product liability cases for each state categorized by the number of years:

• One-Year Statute of Limitations: Kentucky (discovery rule), Louisiana, and Tennessee (discovery rule)
• Two-Year Statute of Limitations: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii (discovery rule), Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• Three-Year Statute of Limitations: Arkansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
• Four-Year Statute of Limitations: Florida and Wyoming.
• Five-Year Statute of Limitations: Missouri.
• Six-Year Statute of Limitations: Maine, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
• Ten-Year Statute of Limitations: North Dakota

A few of the states mentioned above contain the term “discovery rule” behind them.

The “discovery rule” is a legal principle that starts the statute of limitations clock when the injury (or cause of injury) is discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, rather than when the injury actually occurred.

In the context of the Suboxone Lawsuit, the “discovery rule” may apply to extend the statute of limitations, allowing individuals to file a claim when they become aware of their dental injuries being linked to Suboxone use, rather than when the injury first occurred.

How Does the 2022 FDA Warning Implicate the Suboxone Lawsuit?

The 2022 FDA Drug Safety Communication, “FDA warns about dental problems with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth to treat opioid use disorder and pain“, highlights the risk of dental injuries associated with Suboxone is a significant factor in considering eligibility for the Suboxone lawsuit, as it potentially marks a key date for the statute of limitations.

This warning serves as a formal acknowledgment by a regulatory authority of the risks associated with the drug, which could influence the legal argument that manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to Suboxone users and healthcare professionals.

The placement of this warning label could be argued as the point at which the manufacturers fulfilled their duty to warn, potentially limiting future claims based on lack of knowledge of the risk.

For existing and future plaintiffs, the date of this warning could determine the timeframe within which they must file their lawsuits, as the statute of limitations typically begins when the plaintiff becomes aware, or should have become aware, of the injury and its potential cause.

In jurisdictions with a discovery rule, this FDA warning could be seen as the start of the clock for individuals to become aware of the link between their dental problems and Suboxone use.

Consequently, for those who experienced dental issues prior to 2022 but were unaware of the connection to Suboxone, this warning could extend their window to file a lawsuit.

The 2022 FDA warning plays a crucial role in the Suboxone litigation, both in terms of shaping legal strategies and impacting the eligibility of claimants under the statute of limitations.

Evidence for Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

In Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits, gathering strong evidence is key to building a compelling case against the manufacturers.

This evidence serves to establish the link between Suboxone use and the dental injuries sustained.

Key pieces of evidence for Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Dental health records
• X-ray images
• Photos and videos
• Prescription records
• Doctor’s notes
• Any other evidence showing Suboxone use and subsequent dental problems

The strength of a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit hinges on the quality and relevance of the evidence presented.

An experienced Suboxone Lawyer can help to gather, analyze, and present evidence effectively.

Suboxone Lawyers will also guide plaintiffs through the complexities of legal procedures and ensure that all necessary documentation is accounted for to support the claim.

The Current Status of the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

More and more people are coming forward with claims of severe tooth decay and dental injuries related to taking Suboxone.

Suboxone Lawsuits are filed against Indivior Inc., the manufacturer, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn users about the risk of dental injuries and tooth decay.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has approved the consolidation of these individual lawsuits into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to streamline the process.

The Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) Film Products Liability Litigation is consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

The centralization of the Suboxone Tooth Decay Litigation allows for more efficient handling of pretrial proceedings, discovery, and potential settlement discussions.

Lawyers are actively investigating and assessing individual Suboxone cases, focusing on the extent of dental injuries and the duration of Suboxone use.

As mentioned, the pressing and diverse nature of statute of limitations laws across the United States can impact the eligibility of certain individuals who have suffered tooth decay from taking Suboxone.

It is essential to consult with an experienced lawyer to understand how laws and regulations may impact or confirm your eligibility to file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

We’re here to help you.

What is Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)?

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) is a legal procedure used in federal court systems to consolidate complex cases that share common factual issues, but are filed across different jurisdictions, into a single district.

The MDL process is designed to streamline pretrial proceedings, including discovery and motions, for efficiency and consistency.

MDLs are particularly useful in handling large numbers of lawsuits that arise from the same or similar circumstances, such as product liability cases or pharmaceutical litigation.

In the context of the potential Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL, consolidation means bringing together individual lawsuits from across the country that allege dental injuries due to Suboxone use into a singular court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

The reasoning behind creating an MDL in this instance is to manage these cases more effectively by coordinating the discovery process, avoiding duplicate efforts, and resolving common legal and factual questions.

This approach facilitates a more organized and uniform handling of the lawsuits while preserving the unique aspects of each individual claim.

Ultimately, the MDL for the Suboxone Tooth Decay cases aims to expedite the legal process, reduce court burdens, and potentially lead to a global resolution or settlements for the involved parties.

Is There a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

Yes, there is a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit, but it is not related to the claims of dental injuries resulting from Suboxone use, and our law firm is NOT involved in these class action cases.

There is not a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit for dental issues.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), a legal process separate and unique from class actions.

The manufacturers of Suboxone have faced significant legal action in the past, primarily focusing on antitrust, consumer protection, and unjust enrichment laws in the United States.

These lawsuits asserted that the defendants engaged in practices that harmed competition and caused class members, including entities and individuals who paid for Suboxone, to overpay.

Significant settlements and financial penalties have been reached in multiple lawsuits filed against the manufacturers:

• 2023: Indivior agreed to a $102.5 million settlement with 41 states and the District of Columbia, addressing claims of anticompetitive practices intended to obstruct generic drug competition.
• 2023: Indivior agreed to pay $385 million to settle the final Suboxone monopoly lawsuits brought by drug wholesalers alleging suppression of generic competition for Suboxone.
• 2023: Indivior to pay $30 million to settle health plans’ Suboxone claims.
• 2019: Reckitt Benckiser, Indivior’s former parent company, settled with the federal government for $1.4 billion to resolve potential criminal and civil liability related to Suboxone’s marketing.

These class actions and settlements highlight broader issues of market monopolization and deceptive marketing, rather than focusing on Suboxone’s health impacts such as dental injuries.

Dental Injuries Linked to Suboxone

Dental injuries and issues linked to Suboxone use represent a serious and often debilitating concern for patients.

Dental problems, ranging from mild to severe, can have a profound impact on an individual’s oral and overall health, often requiring extensive and sometimes invasive dental treatments.

The scope of these issues is wide, affecting not just the physical well-being of patients but also their emotional and psychological health due to changes in appearance and self-esteem.

The financial burden of addressing these complex dental issues adds an additional layer of stress for those already grappling with the challenges of opioid addiction recovery.

Dental injuries and issues linked to Suboxone include:

• Tooth Decay: Progressive deterioration of the tooth enamel leading to cavities, often caused by prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of Suboxone.
• Cavities: Small holes or pits in the teeth resulting from decay, exacerbated by the enamel-eroding properties of Suboxone.
• Gum Disease: Inflammation and infection of the gums, potentially aggravated by changes in oral pH and bacteria levels due to Suboxone.
• Oral Infections: Bacterial infections in the mouth, including abscesses, which can be more likely due to weakened oral health from Suboxone use.
• Tooth Erosion: Loss of the hard surface of the teeth (enamel), often attributed to the acidic content in Suboxone, making teeth more prone to decay and sensitivity.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to temperature and certain foods, likely due to enamel erosion caused by Suboxone.
• Loss of Tooth Enamel: Thinning or wearing away of the tooth’s protective outer layer, a direct consequence of the drug’s acidity affecting the mouth environment.
• Dry Mouth: A decrease in saliva production, which can lead to further tooth decay and oral health issues, potentially a side effect of Suboxone.
• Tooth Fractures or Breakage: Weakening of teeth leading to cracks, fractures, or complete breakage, possibly linked to the structural damage caused by long-term Suboxone use.
• Total Tooth Loss: Advanced dental decay or gum disease leading to the loss of teeth, a severe consequence that can be associated with extended Suboxone usage.
• Receding Gums: Gums pulling away from the teeth, potentially due to the impact of Suboxone on oral health, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root.
• Oral Ulcers or Lesions: Sores or wounds in the mouth, which can be painful and might be more prevalent in individuals with compromised oral health from Suboxone.

Suboxone dental issues can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting their health, confidence, and overall well-being.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits aim to secure compensation for those who have suffered from these dental injuries, helping to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens they entail.

How Does Suboxone Cause Tooth Decay?

Suboxone, particularly the physician-prescribed Suboxone film, can lead to permanent tooth decay due to its specific method of administration and composition.

When the film is placed under the tongue, it releases its active ingredients along with acidic compounds into the mouth.

This acidity directly interacts with the teeth, leading to the gradual erosion of tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the teeth.

Over time, this erosion makes the teeth more susceptible to decay, cavities, and other dental health issues.

Prolonged and repeated exposure to the acidic environment created by Suboxone film in the mouth accelerates the process of tooth decay.

Unfortunately, many users were not adequately informed about these dental risks, leading to a lack of preventative measures being taken.

As a result, individuals who used Suboxone film for opioid addiction treatment may unknowingly be at an increased risk for significant and permanent dental health problems.

What Does Dental Treatment for Suboxone Tooth Decay Look Like?

Dental treatment for tooth decay caused by Suboxone typically involves several procedures tailored to the severity of the damage.

In the early stages, treatment may include fillings to repair dental caries and prevent further decay.

For more advanced cases, root canal therapy might be necessary to save a tooth that has significantly deteriorated.

If the tooth decay has led to tooth loss or irreversible damage, tooth extractions, dental implants or dentures may be required to restore function and appearance.

Additionally, treatments like fluoride applications and specialized toothpastes can be used to strengthen the remaining tooth enamel and protect against further erosion.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings become crucial to monitor oral health and prevent new issues, as ongoing dental care is essential for individuals who have experienced significant dental problems due to Suboxone.

Potential Compensation in the Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit

The Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit aims to compensate individuals who have suffered dental issues and related damages due to the use of Suboxone.

Suboxone Lawsuits recognize the significant impact dental problems can have on a person’s life, both physically and financially.

If you believe you have been affected, a lawyer can assist in accurately calculating all potential damages, ensuring that your claim encompasses the full extent of the harm suffered.

Potential compensation in Suboxone Lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional damages
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

Working with a lawyer who understands the complexities of Suboxone cases is crucial.

Your legal team will not only ensure that your claim accurately reflects all potential areas of compensation but also guide you through the legal process to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

What is the Average Suboxone Settlement?

As it is very early in the Suboxone Lawsuit, it is difficult to give an estimate on the possible average Suboxone settlement.

However, Suboxone Lawyers familiar with the case estimate that victims may be entitled to anywhere between $25,000 to over $150,000 each.

These Suboxone settlement projections are by no means a guarantee of compensation in the Suboxone Lawsuit.

These projections are merely estimations based on previous product liability and dangerous drug lawsuits.

Contact an experienced Suboxone Lawyer for more information and insight on your potential case.

TorHoerman Law: Suboxone Lawyers

The prescription drug Suboxone has been a useful medication in combatting the nation’s opioid crisis.

Despite its effectiveness, Suboxone has been linked to severe tooth decay and dental issues.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits are filed with the aim of seeking compensation for Suboxone users who have suffered from severe tooth decay and dental issues.

If you developed dental issues, tooth decay, or other dental injuries after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation and more information on Tooth Decay Suboxone Lawsuits.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Lawsuit instantly.