Illinois Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney: Latest Updates

Quick Summary

• Suppose you’re curious about the Illinois Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. In that case, this statement offers the latest updates on the ongoing legal proceedings. It explains how you can determine if you qualify to file a claim for dental issues caused by prescribed Suboxone.
• 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 overwhelming journey of Suboxone tooth decay claims. Our seasoned team focuses on managing these specific claims and utilizes their expertise to clarify your legal rights and options. We know the ins and outs of Suboxone litigation and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

In addition, our contingency fee basis operation offers the following benefits:

• Eliminates the worry of upfront legal fees
• We only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Ensures that our interests are aligned with yours
• Motivates us to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

In recent years, the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has garnered considerable momentum. This issue has attracted considerable attention and is being closely monitored.

The broader Suboxone lawsuit encompasses various aspects, including qualification criteria, the consolidation of cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL), and potential tolling agreements. These cases are part of a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) under Judge Phillip Calabrese, who is overseeing the proceedings.

The lawsuits contend that Suboxone, especially its sublingual film form, results in grave dental complications like tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental damages. Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer, Indivior, failed to adequately warn users about these risks, resulting in extensive dental treatments and significant financial and emotional distress for the affected individuals.

As the legal proceedings progress, a prominent aspect is the discussion surrounding a tolling agreement. This agreement allows additional lawsuits to be filed without regard to the statute of limitations, which plaintiffs argue is fair and prevents Indivior from facing litigation in multiple jurisdictions due to varying statutes of limitations.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a medication developed to treat opioid addiction and was approved by the FDA in 2002. It combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, designed to mitigate misuse while easing withdrawal symptoms [1].

Buprenorphine medications, like Suboxone, help manage opioid dependence by numbing pain and blocking the effects of more potent opioids like heroin and morphine.

The medication is typically taken by dissolving a film under the tongue, which makes it less appealing for abuse compared to other opioid addiction treatments. This sublingual method of administration, however, has been linked to significant dental issues, particularly with prescription Suboxone film.

Research on buprenorphine’s potential for managing opioid use disorder began in the 1970s, leading to the development of Suboxone as a safer opioid addiction treatment alternative for treating addiction [2].

Despite its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction, sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone exposure has been found to contribute to severe dental decay. This issue has become the crux of the ongoing Suboxone tooth decay litigation, as many users have experienced serious dental problems after prolonged use of prescription Suboxone film.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

Suboxone’s side effects vary in intensity, with dental complications posing a substantial concern for users of the sublingual film. Severe tooth decay is a significant side effect that has been linked to Suboxone use.

According to MedicalNewsToday, common dental issues caused by Suboxone include [3]:

• Severe tooth decay
• Cavities
• Oral infections
• Tooth loss

These problems often require extensive dental treatments, such as fillings, root canals, or extractions, which can lead to substantial medical bills and emotional distress.

In December 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public statement about the dental issues associated with Suboxone, which has since been a pivotal point in many federal suboxone lawsuits.

The severity of these dental problems has led to a growing number of individuals seeking legal action against the manufacturer for not adequately warning about these risks.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In June 2022, the FDA mandated a warning label change for Suboxone to include the risks of severe dental decay [4]. This change was a significant development in the ongoing litigation, strengthening the claims of plaintiffs who argue that the manufacturer knew about the potential dental issues but failed to warn patients.

Over 300 reports of dental harm associated with Suboxone, encompassing tooth decay, cavities, infections, and tooth loss, triggered the FDA’s warning.

These reports highlighted a clear link between the sublingual form of Suboxone that dissolves in the mouth and the development of severe dental problems. Many patients have suffered severe tooth decay due to Suboxone, further emphasizing the need for these warnings.

This label change has been crucial evidence in many Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, validating the claims of those who suffered severe dental injuries. It underscores the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products and providing adequate warnings to consumers.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit, you must have incurred severe dental complications while utilizing Suboxone sublingual films, experienced these complications prior to the 2022 warning label update, and have lost three or more teeth or had three or more tooth extractions due to using Suboxone. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for a lawsuit.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Illinois

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Illinois is currently in the MDL phase, with more than 692 cases merged in the Northern District of Ohio as of July 15, 2024. Judge Calabrese has been overseeing these proceedings and has made several key decisions to streamline the process.

One recent development is the ruling against Indivior’s motion for bifurcation. This decision ensures that both general and specific causation discovery phases will proceed in parallel. This is seen as a move to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a more efficient legal process.

The next status conference, which will include further discussions on discovery and other legal strategies, has been set for September 4, 2024.

The plaintiffs have also submitted a list with over 10,000 names in states with a two-year statute of limitations for Suboxone-related claims, highlighting the widespread impact of these dental issues.

As the lawsuit advances, a growing number of individuals are anticipated to present their claims, striving for justice and compensation for dental issues caused by Suboxone use. Staying informed about the status of the lawsuit is crucial for those considering filing their own claims.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Illinois

Settlement amounts in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit can differ. However, they primarily aim to reimburse individuals for the extensive dental treatments and procedures necessitated by Suboxone use. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits are demanding financial reimbursement for their medical and dental bills, including future medical expenses related to dental care.

Estimates for settlement amounts can vary widely, but some cases have seen settlements ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the severity of the dental issues and the extent of the financial and emotional distress caused.

Compensation can also cover lost income and missed work, especially for those whose dental issues have impacted their ability to work or advance in their careers. The total medical and dental treatment expenses play a critical role in validating the claim for compensation and can significantly influence the settlement amount.

In addition to these financial aspects, plaintiffs may also receive damages for the long-term adverse effects of Suboxone on their dental health, including chronic pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological distress. These factors collectively determine the final settlement amount, providing relief and justice to those who have suffered due to Suboxone use.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Illinois

To file a Suboxone lawsuit in Illinois, you must draft and submit a complaint to the appropriate court. This complaint should detail the plaintiff’s dental issues and how Suboxone use caused them.

The legal process can be complex, but having a knowledgeable lawyer can make a significant difference. They can help ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and that the case is presented effectively.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

One of the significant hurdles in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits is the statute of limitations, with defendants frequently contending that the filing period has elapsed.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers counter this by advocating for streamlined discovery processes, while defendants frequently attempt to make the process more burdensome, causing delays.

A critical aspect of the legal strategy is opposing the bifurcation of general and specific causation discovery phases. The court has ruled against separating these phases, emphasizing that integrated discovery is more efficient and avoids prolonging the litigation.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers also utilize a master complaint, listing individual plaintiffs to manage numerous claims efficiently.

Document production is another contentious area, with defendants often contesting the feasibility of requests, leading to disputes over electronic discovery.

Overcoming these challenges requires meticulous preparation and a robust legal strategy to prove the link between Suboxone use and dental issues effectively.

Types of Evidence To Present

Presenting persuasive evidence is vital in a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Here are the key types of evidence that can strengthen your case:

• Medical Records: Detailed records showing the prescription and usage of Suboxone are crucial. They help establish a timeline and correlate the onset of dental problems with the use of Suboxone.
• Dental Records: Documented dental records before and after using Suboxone can demonstrate the extent of dental decay or damage.
• Expert Testimony: Expert opinions on the causation between Suboxone and tooth decay can significantly bolster the lawsuit. These professionals provide insights into how the medication contributes to dental problems.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos showing the deterioration of dental conditions can be impactful in court, visually illustrating the severity of the damage.
• Clinical Studies and FDA Reports: Studies and reports linking sublingual Suboxone to dental decay are essential pieces of evidence that can substantiate the plaintiffs’ claims.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Illinois is typically two years. Comprehending the statute of limitations is crucial for prospective plaintiffs to ascertain their timeframe for filing lawsuits. Acting quickly is important to avoid the case being dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

However, the discovery rule may apply, starting the statute of limitations clock when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. This rule can extend the statute of limitations for Suboxone lawsuits, allowing plaintiffs more time to file their claims.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Louisiana Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Florida Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Illinois Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is here to help you navigate these challenging times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications or other dental injuries from medications like Suboxone, please get in touch with us.

Our team has extensive experience in handling such cases and will guide you through the legal process. We will clarify your rights and assess your eligibility for a Suboxone class action lawsuit related to these complications.

Take advantage of our free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. Trust that our commitment to your case is as strong as if you were part of our own family. Contact us today for a comprehensive review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/suboxone
2. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/143/2/e2018
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems