Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits Explained

Factors Affecting the Filing of Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit varies by state and is influenced by several key factors.

Primarily, the statute of limitations typically begins from the date the injury is discovered or should have been discovered, which in the case of Suboxone-related dental issues, is often linked to when the patient becomes aware of the connection between their dental health decline and Suboxone usage.

Discussions around tolling agreements in some jurisdictions could pause or extend these deadlines, providing plaintiffs more time to file their lawsuits.

The most important date, which we will discuss in-depth in the next section, is the FDA warning on buprenorphine medications causing severe tooth decay published in January 2022.

Experts believe that this date will be argued to be the official point at which individuals were adequately warned about the potential for Suboxone to cause severe tooth decay and other dental injuries.

If you have any questions or concerns about the statute of limitations in Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits, reach out to our firm today for a free consultation.

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

January 2022 FDA Warning on Suboxone and Tooth Decay

The warning issued by the FDA in January 2022 about the dental risks associated with Suboxone marks a crucial date that may impact the statute of limitations by either resetting or starting the clock for potential claims.

The January 2022 FDA warning highlighted the serious dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and oral infections that can occur with the use of Suboxone, especially in its sublingual form.

This official acknowledgment by the FDA serves as a significant indicator that both patients and healthcare providers should be aware of the potential oral health risks.

The warning also implies that manufacturers had a duty to provide this critical information to consumers and medical professionals sooner, given the severity of the reported dental problems.

For those who used Suboxone before the FDA issued this warning, the notification may strengthen their legal claims by establishing that they were not adequately warned about the dental risks.

Conversely, individuals who started taking Suboxone after the warning was issued might face challenges in their lawsuits, as they were considered to have been adequately warned.

While the FDA warning is pivotal for establishing the need for manufacturer transparency, it also delineates a more complicated legal pathway for those who began treatment post-warning.

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.

Statute of Limitations for Product Liability Lawsuits in Each State

As mentioned, 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.

A General Overview of the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

Suboxone is one of the most popular opioid addiction treatment medications.

Used by people across the country to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and withdrawal symptoms, physician prescribed Suboxone film is administered sublingually, allowing for quick absorption directly through the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Although Suboxone is effective and widely used, the opioid addiction treatment is linked to severe dental problems that can significantly affect users’ quality of life.

The medication’s formulation, particularly the sublingual film, creates an acidic environment in the mouth, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion over time.

Suboxone can also reduce saliva production, which is crucial for neutralizing acids in the mouth and protecting against tooth decay and gum disease.

As a result, prolonged use of Suboxone has been associated with a range of dental issues, including cavities, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

The severity of these dental issues has led to numerous lawsuits against the manufacturers of Suboxone.

Plaintiffs claim that the company failed to warn users adequately about the risk of dental problems, despite knowing the potential side effects.

Suboxone Lawsuits seek compensation for the damages suffered by individuals, including costs for dental treatments, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

If you or a loved one took Suboxone and subsequently suffered severe tooth decay, you may be eligible to take action and file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Suboxone Lawsuit and to get in touch with a licensed Suboxone lawyer.

What is the Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL?

The Suboxone MDL consolidates all Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits into one federal court.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) officially established the Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL on February 2nd, 2024.

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits are centralized in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

The organization of Suboxone Teeth Lawsuits into a singular litigation marks a major turning point for people who were prescribed Suboxone film and subsequently suffered severe dental injuries.

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Litigation provides a potential pathway for people who have suffered severe tooth decay and undergone extensive dental treatments to seek compensation that covers these dental injuries.

Regardless of jurisdiction, all federal Suboxone Lawsuits filed will more than likely be sent to the Northern District of Ohio to become part of the Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL.

Dental Problems Suffered by Suboxone Users

Used to treat opioid addiction, Suboxone has been a widely popular medication for those seeking help in managing their dependence on opioids.

However, taking Suboxone, particularly in sublingual form, has led to unintended consequences, including a range of serious dental problems.

Dental issues stem from the drug’s acidic properties and its effect on saliva production, which can significantly reduce the mouth’s natural ability to protect teeth and gums.

The constant exposure of the teeth to the acidic environment created by Suboxone can lead to rapid dental decay and tooth erosion.

Dental problems commonly suffered by Suboxone users include:

• Tooth Decay: Prolonged exposure to Suboxone can lead to cavities and significant tooth decay.
• Gum Disease: Users may experience gum recession and inflammation, conditions that are exacerbated by dry mouth.
• Oral Infections: The reduction in saliva and the drug’s acidity can increase the risk of developing painful oral infections.
• Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the dental issues can progress to the point of tooth loss.
• Enamel Erosion: Suboxone can wear away the tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Often Requires Extensive Dental Treatments

As mentioned, taking Suboxone can lead to tooth erosion, dental caries (cavities), and more severe dental issues that necessitate professional intervention.

Patients suffering from Suboxone-related dental issues typically undergo multiple treatments to restore oral health and functionality.

Common treatments for Suboxone tooth decay include:

• Tooth Extractions: Necessary when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to save.
• Dental Fillings: To repair cavities caused by tooth decay.
• Root Canals: To treat infected or severely decayed teeth, preserving as much of the tooth as possible.
• Crowns: To cover and protect damaged teeth while restoring their function and appearance.
• Dental Implants: For replacing teeth that have been lost due to severe decay or other complications.
• Gum Treatments: To address gum disease and infections that may occur alongside tooth decay.
• Preventative Care: Including fluoride treatments and professional cleanings to manage and prevent further decay.

One of the most common questions among Suboxone users facing severe dental issues is how to afford the necessary treatments for tooth decay and other dental injuries caused by the drug.

If successful in legal action, plaintiffs may receive compensation that covers not only their medical and dental expenses but also accounts for the broader impacts of these dental problems, such as pain and suffering and lost wages.

This potential financial recovery is crucial, as it can alleviate the significant burden of treatment costs and help individuals restore both their dental health and overall quality of life.

If you’ve suffered permanent tooth damage or other serious dental issues after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Lawsuit and seek compensation.

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

Do You Qualify to File a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

The Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL addresses the long-term consequences of dental damage alleged to stem from the use of Suboxone films, spotlighting the medical and lifestyle impacts on affected individuals.

As the Suboxone litigation progresses, it will explore the depth of scientific evidence linking Suboxone to oral health deterioration and scrutinize the manufacturer’s compliance with federal safety regulations.

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits will also deeply analyze the adequacy of the manufacturer’s disclosures to healthcare providers and patients regarding the serious dental problems linked to the sublingual buprenorphine form of the drug Suboxone.

If you suffered severe dental injuries, tooth erosion, and other health issues after taking Suboxone to curb opioid dependence, you may be eligible to join the new Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Suboxone Lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join others filing Suboxone Product Liability Lawsuits instantly.

Suboxone Attorneys will help claimants throughout the legal process, helping them to gather evidence for their Suboxone Tooth Decay claims and assessing the impact the opioid addiction treatment had on their lives.

Gather Evidence for Your Suboxone Lawsuit

Evidence is an extremely important part of product liability lawsuits, and compiling relevant evidence is as important as ever in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Plaintiff attorneys can help individuals gather evidence for Suboxone claims, but this is a part of the legal process patients can begin on their own.

Possible 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

Suboxone Lawyers Can Help Calculate Damages in Your Case

Damages are the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of taking Suboxone and suffering from severe tooth decay or other dental injuries.

Experienced Suboxone Lawyers can help people assess and calculate damages in their individual Suboxone Lawsuit.

Possible damages in Suboxone Tooth Decay claims 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

TorHoerman Law: Suboxone Lawyers

Our lawyers are currently accepting new clients for legal action against the makers of Suboxone.

Dental injuries and tooth decay can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting their physical health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

If you have been prescribed Suboxone and subsequently suffered severe tooth decay and dental problems, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join others filing Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits instantly.