South Carolina Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• This lawsuit focuses on claims that Indivior failed to warn users about the severe dental risks of Suboxone sublingual film, including tooth decay, tooth loss, and oral infections. Plaintiffs argue that the drug’s labeling lacked necessary warnings, resulting in significant dental health issues.
• This article provides essential information about the South Carolina Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, including the latest updates, how to join, and potential compensation. Stay informed to protect your rights.
• If you or someone you know has faced complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to support you. Known for their strong track record in representing plaintiffs, they are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal representation in the aftermath of Suboxone-induced tooth decay. This is where S&C’s role becomes vital.

We offer:

• Free consultations for individuals who have experienced tooth decay from Suboxone
• We assist clients in understanding and pursuing Suboxone tooth decay claims, ensuring they have the necessary evidence and legal support.
• Assistance in understanding their legal options
• This first consultation allows victims to assess the potential of their claims without any financial commitment.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits have seen a significant surge, reflecting the growing awareness and concern over the drug’s adverse effects on dental health. As of now, there are 677 Suboxone lawsuits, with a staggering 319 new cases filed just in the last month.

This influx indicates a rising tide of individuals seeking justice for the severe dental problems they attribute to Suboxone use.

The ongoing Suboxone class action lawsuit aims to consolidate individual claims into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process and address the widespread dental injuries caused by Suboxone.

As of mid-June 2024, nearly 10,000 new plaintiffs had joined the Suboxone litigation, underscoring the widespread impact of this issue.

The primary allegations in the lawsuits are that Indivior, Inc., the manufacturer of Suboxone, did not adequately warn users about the potential risk of severe tooth decay and other dental injuries.

These allegations have led to legal action, including a series of product liability lawsuits focused on the drug’s labeling and the absence of necessary warnings about dental risks.

Indivior’s legal challenges are not limited to dental issues. The company has also been accused of engaging in illegal kickback schemes and suppressing competition by blocking generic versions of Suboxone.

These additional allegations have only added fuel to the fire, making the Suboxone litigation a multifaceted legal battle.

What Is Suboxone?

According to MedicalNewsToday, Suboxone is a prescription medication widely used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone [1].

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps mitigate withdrawal symptoms and curb the effects of opioids, making it a crucial component in opioid addiction treatment.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is included to counteract the potential for misuse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids when the drug is dissolved and injected. As one of the buprenorphine medications, Suboxone plays a significant role in managing opioid addiction.

The medication, prescription suboxone film, is usually administered as suboxone sublingual films, which means they are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

This method of administration is designed to make it easier for users to take the drug consistently as part of their treatment regimen. Suboxone is prescribed for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) to help them manage their addiction and reduce the risk of relapse.

Despite its benefits in treating opioid dependence, Suboxone has come under scrutiny for its potential side effects, particularly those affecting dental health.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

According to AAC, Suboxone, while effective in treating opioid addiction, has been linked to several severe side effects, particularly concerning dental health [2].

Medical research has underscored the heightened risk linked to Suboxone usage, which includes:

• tooth decay
• tooth erosion
• broken teeth
• permanent tooth damage

These severe side effects have led to extensive Suboxone tooth decay litigation, with numerous plaintiffs seeking justice for the dental damage caused by the drug. These adverse effects have prompted numerous individuals to file lawsuits against the manufacturer, Indivior.

According to NIH, one significant 2013 study reported that over 90% of oral buprenorphine users had low to moderate salivary buffering, a condition that can lead to dry mouth and increased oral acidity [3].

This reduction in salivary flow exacerbates dental problems, contributing to the severe tooth decay and erosion reported by many Suboxone users. A follow-up study in 2017 further identified Suboxone as having a high potential to reduce salivary flow among 88 prescription drugs.

A more recent 2022 study published in JAMA found that users of sublingual Suboxone had higher rates of dental caries and tooth loss compared to those on other opioid treatments [4].

This research suggests that Suboxone can alter the acidity levels in the mouth, leading to tooth demineralization and decay. The findings from these studies underscore the serious dental risks posed by Suboxone, making it a focal point of ongoing litigation.

Death from respiratory depression is rare with Suboxone but may be more likely when people use Suboxone in conjunction with other substances that slow breathing, such as benzodiazepines, sedatives, tranquilizers, or alcohol – Stacy Mosel, L.M.S.W., Substance Abuse Specialist and Contributor at the American Addiction Centers.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

The FDA has taken significant steps to address the dental risks associated with Suboxone use. The labeling for transmucosal buprenorphine products, including Suboxone, now includes a warning about potential serious dental problems.

This update is a critical acknowledgment of the severe dental issues reported by Suboxone users.

The FDA warnings underscore the necessity of regular dental care for patients using buprenorphine products. By staying updated and aware, patients can more effectively manage the dental risks linked to Suboxone and take precautionary steps to safeguard their oral health.

These warnings also bolster the claims made in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, providing a stronger basis for legal action against the manufacturer.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have been prescribed Suboxone and have suffered severe dental problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or erosion without adequate warning from the manufacturer may be eligible to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

The FDA’s 2022 warning about dental problems associated with Suboxone is a crucial factor in determining eligibility, particularly concerning the statute of limitations.

This warning has provided a clear timeline for when the risks became publicly acknowledged, helping to establish the grounds for legal action.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in South Carolina

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in South Carolina is gathering momentum as more plaintiffs join the litigation. Over the past ten days alone, fourteen new lawsuits have been filed against Indivior in federal courts, indicating the momentum behind this legal battle.

The ongoing tooth decay Suboxone lawsuits highlight the significant legal challenges faced by plaintiffs as they seek compensation for their dental injuries.

In total, 44 plaintiffs have alleged that Suboxone caused severe dental problems, highlighting the widespread impact of this issue.

There is strong scientific evidence linking sublingual buprenorphine to tooth decay and other dental injuries, which has fueled expectations that the Suboxone lawsuit will be a fast-moving mass tort in 2024.

The structured approach to the litigation is evident in the master complaint filed with two separate schedules of individuals. This organized method aims to streamline the legal process and ensure that all plaintiffs’ claims are addressed efficiently.

The next status conference in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is set for September 4, 2024, where further developments and rulings are expected.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers have argued that defendants are overcomplicating the discovery process, making it burdensome, while defendants claim some document productions are not technically feasible. This ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced in the litigation process.

On July 20, 2024, Judge Calabrese ordered Indivior to turn over documents from their antitrust litigation. This ruling is significant as it could provide crucial evidence to support the plaintiffs’ claims.

It is unlikely that a Suboxone settlement will occur in 2024. However, the lawsuit could be resolved within the next two to three years.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in South Carolina

Settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in South Carolina can significantly differ, depending on the extent of dental damage and the particularities of each case.

Victims of Suboxone-related dental injuries can seek:

• Economic damages, such as medical bills for dental treatments
• Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering
• In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the manufacturer’s actions were found to be especially reckless or negligent.

The compensation for dental damage related to Suboxone use could include:

• Costs for treatments like fillings, root canals, extractions, prescriptions, and medical devices
• Future medical expenses related to ongoing dental care
• The severity of dental injuries, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological distress, can elevate the payout amount.

The average settlement for a Suboxone-related dental injury ranges between $50,000 and $150,000, with some settlements estimated between $25,000 to over $150,000. These amounts reflect the serious nature of the dental issues experienced by plaintiffs and the significant impact on their quality of life.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in South Carolina

Filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in South Carolina involves several steps, starting with determining eligibility. Plaintiffs can initiate a lawsuit if they have experienced severe dental issues such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or erosion due to Suboxone. Those who were prescribed Suboxone and suffered significant dental damage are eligible to file a lawsuit.

The Suboxone tooth decay litigation process involves gathering evidence, filing claims, and navigating the legal system to seek justice for the dental damage caused by the drug.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies and hurdles in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits typically center on establishing causation and maneuvering through the statute of limitations.

One significant challenge involves handling electronic documents during discovery. Defendants often argue that plaintiffs’ document requests are too demanding and technically infeasible, while plaintiffs’ attorneys prefer a streamlined process. The court has ruled in favor of integrated discovery, ensuring efficiency.

Another challenge is the resistance to tolling agreements, which would allow more time to file lawsuits without rushing to meet the statute of limitations. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that without such agreements, there could be a rush to file non-viable lawsuits.

Navigating these legal challenges requires strategic planning and a thorough understanding of the legal landscape.

Types of Evidence To Present

To successfully claim for Suboxone tooth decay, it’s vital to present the appropriate types of evidence. Here are the key pieces of evidence you should gather:

• Medical and Dental Records:
  • Detailed documentation of tooth decay
  • Treatments received
  • Any other related dental issues
• Communication with Healthcare Providers:
  • Copies of paperwork or notes from conversations regarding the side effects of Suboxone

By amassing comprehensive and precise evidence, plaintiffs can fortify their cases and enhance the probability of securing compensation for their dental damages.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in South Carolina is three years, subject to specific circumstances.

The discovery rule can extend the statute of limitations for Suboxone lawsuits, starting the clock when the plaintiff discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that Suboxone caused the injury.

Related Articles:

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

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our South CarolinaSuboxone Lawyers

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

Our team possesses extensive expertise in managing such cases and will assist you throughout the legal process. We will help clarify your rights and determine your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.

Benefit from a free case evaluation, and rest assured, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can rely on our unwavering commitment to your case, treating it with the same importance as if you were a member of our own family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
2. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907320/
4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415