Michigan Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Quick Summary

• Suboxone is a type of buprenorphine medication linked to severe dental issues, including tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental injuries. If you are in Michigan and have experienced tooth decay after using Suboxone, you are not alone. Ongoing lawsuits are addressing this serious issue.
• This article provides the latest updates on the Michigan Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and essential information for those considering legal action. Stay informed about your rights and the potential for compensation.
• If you or someone you know has experienced complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to assist. Known for their strong track record in representing plaintiffs, their mission is to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by simplifying the complex process of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.

Our services include:

• Years of experience and expertise in handling similar cases
• Reliable guidance for individuals affected by Suboxone’s severe dental side effects
• Support through every step, from initial consultation to final settlement

Lastly, S&C’s commitment doesn’t end with a settlement. They offer post-settlement support, helping clients navigate any ongoing medical or legal needs. This holistic approach underscores their dedication to not just winning cases but genuinely improving their clients’ lives.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are gaining momentum in Michigan, with many individuals claiming severe dental damage. The litigation has seen significant developments, with the number of cases skyrocketing recently.

This broader suboxone litigation includes the consolidation of federal Suboxone lawsuits into an MDL, rulings on various motions, and the submission of a master complaint with thousands of plaintiffs to the court.

These lawsuits allege that Suboxone, used to treat opioid addiction, has caused severe dental issues like tooth decay, loss, and gum disease. Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer, Indivior, failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks before 2022.

The number of Suboxone tooth decay cases in Michigan has dramatically increased, with approximately 500 cases currently pending. This trend shows growing awareness of the drug’s dental risks.

What Is Suboxone?

According to AADC, Suboxone is prescribed as a treatment for opioid addiction. It is a medication that helps to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to reduce withdrawal symptoms and dependency [1].

By blocking pain receptors and preventing the opioid effect, Suboxone helps individuals manage their addiction and work towards recovery.

Suboxone is available in two forms—a dissolvable tablet and a sublingual film—and is designed for ease of use. However, its convenience has come at a cost. The sublingual film form, in particular, has been linked to severe dental problems. Many users have suffered severe tooth decay due to its use.

According to JAMA, recent studies have played a critical role in highlighting the dental risks associated with Suboxone use. Key findings include [2]:

• A significant study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2022 found that Suboxone users had a higher risk of tooth decay compared to those using other oral medications for opioid addiction treatment.
• The JAMA study also reported that prescription Suboxone film, in its sublingual form, is twice as likely to cause serious dental health issues compared to Suboxone tablets.

These findings have significant implications for ongoing lawsuits, as they underscore the heightened risk associated with the drug’s film form.

This study found an increase in the risk of adverse dental outcomes associated with sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone compared with transdermal buprenorphine and oral naltrexone. Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone is acidic in nature – Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

Suboxone, while effective for opioid addiction, poses significant dental health risks. Users report issues from minor cavities to severe tooth decay and loss.

The drug’s acidic nature accelerates tooth decay and erosion. Additionally, Suboxone reduces saliva production, which normally helps protect teeth, increasing the risk of decay and infections.

Direct contact of Suboxone strips with teeth can also erode enamel, leading to more cavities and dental problems.

Recognizing these side effects is significant for those using Suboxone and contemplating legal action.

According to MedicalNewsToday, Suboxone users have reported a variety of severe and debilitating dental problems. Common issues include [3]:

• Tooth Decay: Often requires extensive treatments like fillings, root canals, and extractions.
• Gum Disease: The impact on saliva production and acidic nature can lead to gum inflammation and infections.
• Fractured and Cracked Teeth: Weakened tooth enamel due to the drug’s acidic nature and direct contact with teeth.

These problems have led to a surge in lawsuits, emphasizing the need for legal action and compensation. Numerous suboxone tooth decay claims have been filed due to these severe dental side effects.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

The FDA’s decision to update the warning labels for Suboxone in 2022 was a significant development in the ongoing litigation. This update was prompted by the numerous reports of adverse dental events associated with the drug.

The new warning labels mention several severe dental issues associated with Suboxone, including:

• Tooth decay
• Dental infections or abscesses
• Tooth erosion
• Oral infections
• Partial and total tooth loss

These updates were crucial in informing users of the potential risks associated with Suboxone, helping them make more informed decisions about their treatment.

The growing number of Suboxone lawsuits allege that Indivior failed to warn users of these risks before the FDA’s label update. Plaintiffs argue that the lack of adequate warnings led to widespread dental problems, which could have been mitigated with proper information.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have used Suboxone before the FDA’s warning label update in June 2022. This is a critical date because it marks when the manufacturer was officially required to inform users of the dental risks associated with the drug.

If you used Suboxone after this date, the legal grounds for your claim might be more challenging.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Michigan

As of May 2024, the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Michigan are making progress. There are currently 205 cases pending in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio.

This MDL, which is part of the federal Suboxone lawsuits overseen by Judge J. Philip Calabrese, aims to streamline the legal process by consolidating similar cases, allowing for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings.

The increase in lawsuits is attributed to a growing awareness of the link between Suboxone use and dental decay. Many individuals who have suffered dental damage due to Suboxone are now seeking legal recourse, bolstered by recent studies and FDA warnings highlighting the drug’s risks.

A significant development in the litigation was Judge Calabrese’s ruling against Indivior’s motion for bifurcation, which would have prolonged the lawsuits. This decision is seen as a victory for plaintiffs, as it allows the cases to proceed more efficiently and increases the likelihood of timely resolutions.

The litigation’s progress is being closely monitored, with the following expectations:

• Plaintiff lawyers are optimistic about the potential for favorable outcomes.
• They believe the lawsuits will move swiftly.
• Resolutions are expected within the next two to three years.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Michigan

Settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Michigan aim to address the financial, health, and quality of life damages caused by the drug’s use. These settlements are designed to compensate plaintiffs for the extensive dental treatments, pain, and suffering they have endured.

Estimated settlement amounts can range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the severity of the dental issues and the impact on the plaintiff’s life.

The amount of compensation depends on the extent and severity of dental injuries, such as severe dental decay, tooth loss, or jawbone damage. Plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical expenses, including corrective dental procedures, prescriptions, and doctor appointments.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Michigan

Filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Michigan involves documenting your dental issues linked to Suboxone use, consulting an experienced lawyer, and gathering evidence. A lawyer can help determine if you qualify and navigate the legal process, including proving the drug’s link to your dental injuries.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits involve several key steps to build a strong case.

These include:

• Gathering Robust Evidence:
  • Medical records documenting Suboxone use.
  • Expert testimonies linking dental damage to Suboxone.
  • Detailed documentation of dental issues.
• Discovery Process:
  • Obtaining and reviewing documents from the defendant.
  • Addressing disputes around electronic document handling.
  • Managing objections from defense lawyers regarding production requests.
• Proving General Causation:
  • Demonstrating that Suboxone is capable of causing the dental issues in question.
  • Overcoming challenges in separating general causation from other discovery processes.
  • Utilizing key rulings to expedite litigation.
• Tolling Agreements:
  • Using tolling agreements to delay filing without losing the right to sue.
  • Providing flexibility and simplifying the legal process.

These strategies are essential for navigating the complexities of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits and ensuring a strong, well-supported claim.

Types of Evidence To Present

To build a strong Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, plaintiffs must present compelling evidence.

Key elements include:

• Medical Records
• Dental Records
• Expert Testimonies
• Photographic Evidence
• Corrective Dental Procedures

Working with a lawyer is essential in gathering and presenting this evidence effectively. They can help ensure that all necessary documentation is collected and presented compellingly, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Michigan is typically three years. This means plaintiffs have three years from the date they discovered the dental damage to file a lawsuit.

The statute of limitations ensures that lawsuits are filed while evidence is fresh, providing a fair timeframe for both plaintiffs and defendants. It also provides finality for potential defendants after a reasonable period.

Related Articles:

• Ozempic Stomach Paralysis 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 Michigan Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is dedicated to supporting you through difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from medications like Suboxone, contact us.

Our team is highly experienced in handling such cases and will guide you through the legal process. We will clarify your rights and determine your eligibility for a related Suboxone lawsuit.

Benefit from a free case evaluation, and rest assured, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can trust that our dedication to your case is as strong as if you were part of our own family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827