How Much Can I Get From a Suboxone Settlement?
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Getting clean from opioid addiction is a commendable accomplishment. Unfortunately, Suboxone, a medication that is used to help you on the recovery path, can cause serious dental issues that leave you with extensive oral health problems.
If you have tooth decay or other dental issues due to Suboxone treatment, you have a right to pursue a settlement covering the cost of dental care and emotional distress. How much will you get from the Suboxone settlement? It depends on your specific losses and what you can prove with the help of your attorney.
Our qualified product liability lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can represent your interests in a lawsuit, helping you demonstrate your losses and receive maximum compensation.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone (buprenorphine) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. It works by partially activating the same receptors in the brain as opioids, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also blocking the euphoric effects of opioids to discourage abuse.
While Suboxone can be an effective tool in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction, it has been linked to dental health issues such as:
- Tooth decay. Suboxone use can lead to dry mouth, which reduces the saliva flow necessary to wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of decay.
- Cavities. The reduction in saliva leads to tooth decay and can result in cavities forming as the enamel erodes without sufficient protection.
- Oral infections. A dry mouth environment, worsened by Suboxone use, leads to more bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infections such as gum disease.
- Loss of teeth. Persistent dental problems can lead to tooth weakening and loss if left untreated.
The dissolvable film form of Suboxone, which is placed under the tongue, has been particularly problematic for users’ dental health. This is due to the prolonged exposure of the teeth to the medication.
A 2022 study found that for every 1,000 people each year, about 21.6 experienced dental problems with sublingual buprenorphine, compared to 12.2 for transdermal buprenorphine and 10.9 for oral naltrexone.
Specific issues like cavities and tooth loss occur in about 8.2 of every 1,000 sublingual buprenorphine users annually, compared to 3.5 for transdermal buprenorphine and 3.8 for oral naltrexone.
Understanding Suboxone Lawsuits
Part of figuring out how much you can get from the Suboxone settlement involves understanding how these civil lawsuits are handled. Although the U.S. Justice Department recently won a $300 million settlement against Suboxone manufacturers Indivior and Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC for false marketing, this action differs from civil suits brought by individual victims.
Until January 2024, these cases were filed individually throughout the country. However, they’ve been consolidated into a single multidistrict litigation (MDL). All federal cases concerning Suboxone-related tooth decay are now grouped under one class action lawsuit to streamline the process and ensure consistent court rulings across similar cases.
So, how does this affect you as a plaintiff?
- Unified proceedings. The MDL process consolidates pretrial proceedings, including discovery and motions, into one federal court, making the legal process more efficient for all parties.
- Individual cases remain separate. While the pretrial activities are merged, your lawsuit remains individually filed. This means you retain your case, with individual damages that will be judged based on merit.
- Impact of common decisions. Key decisions made in the MDL, such as rulings on the admissibility of evidence or legal interpretations, apply to all cases within the MDL. This can simplify issues of common fact or law, potentially leading to more consistent outcomes for all plaintiffs.
- Trial and damages. If your case doesn’t settle during the MDL process, it may return to the original court for trial. At this point, you can argue for damages based on your individual experiences and losses rather than a generalized assessment from the MDL.
Your attorney at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can guide you through this legal process and keep you informed every step of the way. If legal procedures regarding ongoing settlements change, we can adapt our approach to get you the compensation you deserve.
How is a Suboxone Settlement Amount Calculated?
The amount of your Suboxone settlement payout can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. In general, how much you will get from a Suboxone settlement is based on the following:
Factor | Description |
Impact of Your Injuries | This includes physical injuries, long-term health effects, and psychological impacts due to Suboxone usage. The severity and duration of these effects play a role in determining the settlement amount. |
Calculated Expenses | Expenses can include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earnings due to the injuries caused by Suboxone. Detailed documentation of these expenses is crucial for the calculation. |
Amount of Evidence | The strength of the evidence linking the injuries to Suboxone use is essential. This includes medical records, expert testimony, and other documentation proving the cause and effect of the damages. |
Legal Counsel | Your attorney’s experience can affect the settlement amount. Skilled legal counsel can negotiate better terms and effectively navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation. |
Settlement Procedures | Previous settlement amounts awarded in similar cases can also influence the amount. Lawyers and insurance companies often review historical data to gauge reasonable settlement values. |
What are Suboxone Tooth Decay Economic Damages?
A Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit payout can include a range of damage expenses related to the dental issues caused by the medication, including:
- Medical expenses. Covers the costs of various dental treatments and procedures required to address tooth decay and other dental problems caused by Suboxone. This can include costs for fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridges, dental implants, dentures, and necessary medications or anesthesia.
- Lost wages. If your Suboxone-related dental issues require you to take time off work for treatments, procedures, or recovery, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages and income you lost during this absence from work. This can include the actual wages you would have earned and any lost bonuses or commissions that were affected by your time away from work.
- Future dental costs. In cases of severe or extensive tooth decay, you may require ongoing dental care or future treatments to address the long-term impacts of your dental issues. These future costs could include expenses for dentures or dental implants, and ongoing maintenance and care.
- Diminished earning capacity. Severe tooth loss or dental issues can impact your ability to work in certain professions or fields, diminishing your earning capacity. This potential loss of future income may also be factored into your Suboxone antitrust payout amount.
Can You Win Non-Economic Damages in a Suboxone Lawsuit?
Besides the economic damages, you may also be eligible to receive compensation for non-economic damages. These are intended to address the intangible losses and emotional impacts of dental issues and include:
- Pain and suffering. Severe tooth decay and other dental problems caused by Suboxone can cause chronic physical pain and discomfort. This pain can be constant or intermittent, ranging from mild aches to severe, debilitating pain that can negatively affect your quality of life, sleep patterns, and well-being.
- Emotional distress. Dental issues, particularly those that affect your appearance or ability to eat and speak normally, can lead to emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. The impact on self-confidence and self-image can be profound, potentially causing social withdrawal, strained personal relationships, and other emotional challenges.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Tooth decay, tooth loss, and related dental problems can prevent you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed, such as eating certain foods, participating in social events, or pursuing hobbies or interests that involve public interaction. This loss of enjoyment of life can diminish your quality of life and well-being.
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring. In severe Suboxone-related dental issues, you may experience disfigurement or permanent scarring due to extensive dental procedures, extractions, or other treatments. This can impact your self-confidence, self-image, and emotional health.
Other Factors That May Affect the Value of Your Suboxone Dental Decay Settlement
While the specific damages you suffer are the primary factors in determining the value of Suboxone settlement checks, other considerations may also influence the settlement amount. These include:
- Duration of Suboxone use. The length of time you used Suboxone may affect your settlement, as longer-term use could potentially lead to more significant dental issues and associated damages.
- Age and overall health. Your age and overall health can influence the potential future costs and impacts of your dental issues, which may be factored into the settlement calculation.
- Defendant’s litigation history and reputation. The defendant’s litigation history, past settlements, and reputation can also be a factor. Companies with a history of legal issues or a poor reputation may be more likely to settle cases to avoid further negative publicity or costly trials.
Ways to Maximize Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Settlement
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your Suboxone-related dental issues, take steps to protect your case and potential settlement. Here are some recommendations:
- Preserve evidence. Keep all relevant documentation, such as medical records, dental bills, and any correspondence with the manufacturer or healthcare providers. This evidence can support your claim and help demonstrate the severity of your injuries and damages.
- Document medical expenses and lost wages. Maintain detailed records of all expenses related to your dental treatments and any lost wages because of time off work. This documentation can help your attorney calculate your economic damages.
- Seek prompt medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening dental issues, seek medical attention promptly. This will help establish a clear link between your dental problems and your use of Suboxone and ensure that your medical records accurately reflect the full extent of your injuries.
- Avoid social media posts about your case. Avoid posting about dental issues, lawsuits, or related topics on social media. The defendant’s lawyers or insurers may use these posts against you to impact your credibility or downplay your injuries.
- Follow your attorney’s advice. Work closely with your experienced product liability lawyer from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., and follow their guidance throughout the legal process. They can provide valuable advice on protecting your interests and maximizing your chances of obtaining a favorable settlement.
The Importance of Acting Quickly in Suboxone Litigation
While the legal process of a lawsuit for Suboxone payout per person can be complex and time-consuming, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek legal representation as soon as possible. There are several reasons why promptness is essential in these types of cases:
- Statute of limitations. Each state has a statute of limitations, a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for product liability claims involving personal injury is three years from the date of the injury or the discovery of the injury. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may be barred from pursuing legal action and recovering compensation.
- Evidence preservation. Over time, evidence can become more challenging to obtain or may even be lost or destroyed. Medical records, witness statements, and other crucial pieces of evidence are essential for building a solid case, and delays can make it more challenging to gather the necessary documentation. Acting quickly ensures that your legal team can secure and preserve all relevant evidence while it’s still available.
- Avoiding delays in compensation. Product liability cases, particularly those involving large pharmaceutical companies, can take several months or even years to resolve. By promptly initiating legal proceedings, you can minimize delays and expedite the receipt of compensation for dental expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Availability of witnesses. Witnesses are crucial in supporting your claim and providing valuable testimony. However, over time, witnesses may become harder to locate, or their memories of the events may fade. Fast legal help ensures that your attorney can interview and secure witnesses’ statements while their recollections remain fresh.
- Establishing a clear connection. One of the critical elements in a successful Suboxone dental decay lawsuit is establishing a clear connection between your dental issues and your medication use. The sooner you seek legal representation and begin the process, the easier it will be to demonstrate this connection and refute any attempts by the defendant to attribute your dental problems to other factors.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer for Your Suboxone Lawsuit
While pursuing a Suboxone dental decay lawsuit on your own is technically possible, working with an experienced product liability lawyer from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can increase your chances of obtaining a fair and substantial settlement. We offer the following advantages for your case:
- In-depth knowledge of product liability laws and regulations. Our attorneys know and understand the legal intricacies involved in product liability cases, including those related to defective drugs, failure to warn claims and pharmaceutical litigation. This knowledge allows us to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiating with insurance companies and manufacturers. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and their legal teams. This experience gives us the skills and leverage to advocate for the best possible settlement on your behalf, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.
- Access to medical experts. Our team includes Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse with years of healthcare experience who can provide valuable medical expertise and insights to strengthen your case. Eileen’s knowledge can help us better understand the dental implications of Suboxone use, the severity of your injuries, and the potential long-term impacts on your health and quality of life.
- Ability to gather and present compelling evidence. Our attorneys know how to conduct thorough investigations and collect relevant evidence from medical professionals, experts, and other sources. We present it clearly and compellingly to support your claim and demonstrate the extent of your damages.
- Understanding of the Suboxone litigation process. With our experience in handling similar cases involving defective drugs and pharmaceutical litigation, we understand the nuances and complexities of Suboxone litigation. This knowledge allows us to navigate the process efficiently and effectively, anticipating potential challenges and developing effective strategies to overcome them.
- Commitment to fighting for maximum compensation. We aim to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and financial support you deserve. We are committed to holding negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions and ensuring our clients are fairly compensated for their losses.
- Resources to take on large corporations. As a well-established law firm, we have the resources and financial backing to take on large pharmaceutical corporations like Indivior. This includes access to expert witnesses, medical professionals, and other resources that can strengthen your case and level the playing field against these powerful corporations and their legal teams.
- Contingency fee basis. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. This arrangement ensures that you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees or costs, making our services accessible to anyone affected by Suboxone dental issues, regardless of their financial situation.
Contact Us Today for Help With Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has experienced dental issues after using Suboxone, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Our experienced product liability lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, build a solid legal strategy, and give you an accurate estimate of how much you will get from a Suboxone settlement. We will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.