Georgia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Latest 2024 Updates

Quick Summary

• Suppose you are experiencing tooth decay after using Suboxone in Georgia. In that case, this article provides the latest updates on the Georgia Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, including recent settlement information and details on how you might qualify to join the legal action if you’ve been affected.
• If you or someone you know has experienced complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to help. With a strong reputation in representing plaintiffs, our focus is on securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by guiding you through the intricate process involved in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. Our team of experienced lawyers specializes in Suboxone tooth decay litigation and has extensive experience in handling Suboxone lawsuits, securing justice for clients affected by the drug’s dental side effects.

S&C provides complimentary consultations to assess potential case viability in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits. This initial consultation allows us to:

• Understand your situation better and determine if you have a viable claim
• Provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have
• Gain a clearer understanding of the legal process

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The scenario surrounding Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits is complex and evolving. As of July 2, 2024, 677 lawsuits had been filed. Federal Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio to streamline pretrial proceedings and ensure consistent court rulings.

The ongoing Suboxone litigation involves numerous legal battles, including FDA warnings, leadership appointments, and challenges with the bifurcation of discovery.

Indivior, Inc. and Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., the manufacturers of Suboxone, are the main defendants. Plaintiffs allege these companies failed to warn users about severe dental risks, leading to significant injuries like tooth decay and loss. Many lawsuits claim the manufacturers knew of these risks but did not provide adequate warnings.

Since the MDL was created in April 2024, cases have increased, with 44 plaintiffs citing severe dental problems. This consolidation allows for more organized case handling.

A notable case involves a woman in Ohio who claimed Suboxone caused her severe dental injuries, highlighting the widespread issue and the need for accountability.

Discussions about converting federal court filings into a formal tolling agreement may increase the MDL’s momentum, allowing more individuals to seek legal recourse and compensation for their dental injuries.

What Is Suboxone?

According to AAC, Suboxone is a medication used primarily for opioid addiction treatment, specifically to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two buprenorphine medications: buprenorphine and naloxone [1].

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, meaning it produces a milder high compared to full opioid agonists, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without providing the same level of euphoria.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the body’s opioid receptors, further helping to negate the effects of opioids.

Suboxone is available in two forms: a tablet and a prescription suboxone film. The sublingual film is placed under the tongue to dissolve, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream.

This form is particularly popular as it is less habit-forming compared to other opioid addiction treatments like methadone. However, it is this very form that has been linked to severe dental issues, as the acidic content of the film can cause significant damage to the teeth when used over a long period.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

While Suboxone is effective in treating opioid addiction, it comes with a range of side effects that can significantly impact the user’s quality of life. One of the most alarming side effects is the severe dental issues reported by many Suboxone users.

According to MedicalNewsToday, these dental problems include [2]:

• tooth decay
• cavities
• broken teeth
• complete tooth loss

One of the most concerning long-term side effects of Suboxone is its impact on dental health. Many users have reported experiencing severe tooth decay, which can lead to tooth breakage and loss if left untreated.

The acidic content of the sublingual film, combined with its frequent use, is believed to contribute significantly to these dental issues. Additionally, prolonged use of Suboxone can damage the heart, circulatory, and respiratory systems, further complicating the user’s health.

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an oral film prescribed to treat dependence on opioid drugs. It works to reduce withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioids and for an extended period of time afterward – Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA, Licensed Pharmacist and Associate Director – Medical Communications at Wesley Enterprise, Inc.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

According to the FDA, In January 2022, the agency raised an alarm over the risk of dental injuries linked to oral-dissolving medicines containing buprenorphine, including Suboxone. This warning was a significant step in acknowledging the severe dental issues reported by Suboxone users across the country [3].

The FDA’s involvement brought much-needed attention to the problem, prompting further investigations and legal actions.

In June 2022, the FDA unilaterally changed the warning label for sublingual Suboxone following numerous adverse event reports related to serious dental issues.

This decision was made in response to the reported incidents. The update led to an increase in Suboxone tooth decay claims as more individuals became aware of the legal implications.

This label change included significant dental hygiene issues, highlighting the risk of:

• severe dental decay
• oral infections
• tooth loss
• other dental injuries

The FDA found a causal link between the use of sublingual Suboxone and poor dental outcomes, further supporting the claims made by many plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuits.

In Georgia, cases highlight that Suboxone users were not adequately warned about severe dental risks until the FDA’s 2022 label change. This lack of warning has led to significant dental problems for many, prompting more Georgians to file lawsuits as awareness grows.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have experienced significant dental injuries directly caused by Suboxone. This includes severe dental issues like tooth extractions, cavities, and permanent tooth decay. If multiple plaintiffs have similar claims, there may be an opportunity to join a Suboxone class action lawsuit.

Higher settlement amounts may be expected for those requiring extensive dental treatments such as implants or oral surgeries. It’s essential to have been prescribed Suboxone and not adequately warned about the dental risks to qualify for a lawsuit.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Georgia

The situation of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Georgia is fluid, with a significant increase in Suboxone lawsuits shaping the legal landscape.

Key updates include:

• June 2024: Judge Calabrese issued an order to create a Plaintiffs’ Leadership Development Committee. This committee aims to assist less experienced attorneys in handling these complex cases, ensuring competent legal representation for all plaintiffs.
• June 24, 2024: Plaintiffs won an early victory against the defense’s motion to bifurcate discovery. Judge Calabrese denied the defendant’s request to restrict early discovery to prioritize discovery into the link between Suboxone and tooth decay.
• March 25, 2024: Four new Suboxone suits were transferred to the MDL, indicating the growing number of individuals seeking legal recourse for their dental injuries. This influx of cases highlights the widespread impact of Suboxone-related dental issues and the need for a coordinated legal approach.
• Ongoing Discussions: Positive discussions are ongoing about converting federal court filings into a formal tolling agreement. This would pause the statute of limitations and allow more time for plaintiffs to file their claims. This development is crucial for individuals who may have recently discovered their dental injuries and are concerned about the looming deadlines for filing a lawsuit.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Georgia

The potential settlement amounts in Georgia for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits can vary significantly, depending on the severity of the dental injuries and the strength of the evidence presented.

Previous settlements in similar cases have ranged from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, reflecting the extent of dental damage and the associated medical costs. These amounts highlight the importance of robust legal representation and thorough documentation in pursuing compensation.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Georgia

Initiating a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Georgia involves consulting with an experienced Suboxone lawyer for a free case evaluation and navigating the legal process so that you can proceed with your case.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits often involve proving both general and specific causation. To enhance readability, here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Proving Causation

1. General Causation: Evidence that Suboxone can cause dental issues such as tooth decay.
2. Specific Causation: Proof that Suboxone directly caused the dental problems in the individual plaintiff.

Legal Challenges

1. Document Production:
   • Defense lawyers often argue that plaintiffs’ document production requests are overly demanding and not technically feasible.
   • Plaintiffs’ lawyers advocate for a streamlined discovery process to avoid unnecessary delays.
2. Discovery Process:
   • The court has denied motions by defendants to focus solely on general causation issues before proceeding to case-specific discovery.
   • An integrated discovery approach is favored for efficiency, ensuring comprehensive evidence gathering.

Tolling agreements serve a critical purpose in legal proceedings, especially for plaintiffs who may have recently discovered their dental injuries. These agreements allow plaintiffs to delay filing their lawsuits without losing the right to sue, providing them with the necessary time to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Without tolling agreements, plaintiffs’ lawyers may be compelled to file numerous suits prematurely, which could overwhelm the court system. This premature filing could lead to inefficiencies and a backlog of cases, making it challenging for the court to manage the influx of lawsuits effectively.

Types of Evidence To Present

Constructing a persuasive case in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit necessitates robust evidence to validate the connection between Suboxone use and the dental injuries incurred.

Here are the key types of evidence needed:

1. Medical and Dental Records:
   • Document the extent of dental problems.
   • Provide a timeline of Suboxone use.
   • Show the progression of dental decay and required treatments.
2. Photos of Dental Damage:
   • Visual documentation of dental injuries.
   • Illustrate the severity of the condition.
   • Highlight the impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life.
3. Suboxone Prescriptions and Pharmacy Records:
   • Show the duration and dosage of Suboxone use.
   • Establish a clear link between the medication and dental issues.
4. Testimonies from Medical Professionals:
   • Expert opinions from dentists and doctors.
   • Provide authoritative support for the plaintiff’s claims.
   • Explain the causal relationship between Suboxone use and dental problems.

Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively is crucial for building a strong case in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Georgia?

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Georgia is two years. Understanding these timelines is essential to ensure that claims are filed within the appropriate period and that the right to seek compensation is not lost.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Texas Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Tennessee Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Georgia Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm stands by you in challenging times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from medications like Suboxone, reach out to us. Our team has vast expertise in managing such cases and will assist you through the legal process.

We will clarify your rights and determine your eligibility for a Suboxone lawsuit related to these complications. Benefit from a free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can trust our dedication to your case as if you were part of our family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder