If you or someone you know has taken Suboxone and experienced dental problems, you’re not alone. The addiction treatment manufacturer faces thousands of lawsuits across the country. Many people claim Suboxone leads to serious oral health issues, including severe tooth decay.
You may want to know how to get compensation for the damages this medication caused you or someone you know. A good lawyer can provide a clear path for those affected to seek recovery.
The compensation you might get from a Suboxone lawsuit can vary. It depends on the severity of your dental issues, medical and dental expenses, lost wages, and even future medical costs.
If you face harm due to Suboxone, contact an experienced attorney from LitigationConnect, LLC, as soon as possible. They can assess your situation, determine your eligibility for compensation, and help you get money from a Suboxone lawsuit.
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Understanding Suboxone
If you’re dealing with the challenges of opioid addiction, you may have heard about Suboxone as a part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Suboxone belongs to a medications category known as opioid antagonists.
It works differently from opioid agonists like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone, which activate pain receptors in your brain and release endorphins, creating that opioid effect.
By incorporating Suboxone into your recovery plan, you can eliminate the opioid effects since it prevents these substances from activating those pain receptors. This action helps manage cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making your path to recovery smoother.
Why Suboxone?
Since its introduction in the early 2000s, addiction treatment specialists have turned to Suboxone over methadone, the previous go-to medication for MAT. One of the main reasons for Suboxone is to lessen dependency risks compared to methadone.
Patients often find the side effects milder, usually affecting the body rather than the mind, making it a safer choice for many. As opioid addiction can destroy lives, having this medication option could seem like a miracle for many.
Two Forms of Suboxone
Convenience is key when sticking with a recovery plan, and that’s where Suboxone shines. You can take it in two forms: as a tablet or as a sublingual film.
Both options dissolve in your mouth and provide the same effectiveness in managing your recovery. The tablets may be more budget-friendly and less conspicuous, while some patients favor the film because it allows them to gradually taper their dose as they end their medication use.
However, approach any dosage adjustments with doctor guidance so your recovery stays on track.
However, even with a doctor’s help during recovery, some people still suffer terrible effects after taking Suboxone.
Getting Compensation from a Suboxone Lawsuit
If you're seeking compensation from a Suboxone lawsuit, you're probably wondering about the best steps. This process requires a clear understanding of the legal framework,
CuTheuboxone Film Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3092) is still unfolding, so plaintiffs don’t have concrete payout amounts. While the journey might seem long, multidistrict litigation may help plaintiffs. This approach allows each case to be viewed individually, often resulting in better compensation than traditional class action lawsuits.
MDL 3092 is separate from the Suboxone Class Action lawsuit (In Re: Suboxone (Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone) Antitrust Litigation). The latter focused on antitrust claims rather than safety concerns.
If you’re looking for a payout from MDL 3092, you must follow a specific process as the court dictates so that your lawsuit joins the ongoing litigation.
Steps for Compensation from a Suboxone Lawsuit
Here’s a quick overview of the steps to increase your compensation chances:
- Consult Your Attorney: Your first step should be seeking legal advice. Make sure you find an attorney knowledgeable about pharmaceutical litigation to guide you through the process.
- Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Stay updated on the litigation status and any changes affecting your case.
- Gather Evidence: Document everything related to your Suboxone use and any health issues you may have. The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be.
- Be Transparent: Work closely with your attorney. Provide all relevant information that could help strengthen your claim, and be open about any concerns or questions.
- Exercise Patience: Legal proceedings take time. Maintaining patience while processing your case can be as important as any other step.
By following these steps and maintaining open communication with your LitigationConnect attorney, you improve your opportunities for compensation. This diligence helps to create a stronger case against Suboxone’s manufacturer, Indivior.
You can get through this successfully with the right approach.
Diligence is also why you need a lawyer. Your lawyer will have invaluable knowledge and resources that save time, money, and stress. Your lawyer will also save you from major mistakes.
Connect with a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawyer
Your journey starts with contacting a lawyer who handles Suboxone-related issues. During your first meeting, be prepared to discuss your medical and dental history in detail. Share how severe your tooth decay is, any treatments you underwent, and your timeline for using Suboxone.
Having documentation on hand makes a difference. Gather your medical records, dental bills, and any communication you've had with healthcare providers. This information will help your attorney assess your case and determine your eligibility for compensation.
File Your Claim
Once you’ve connected with your lawyer, you’ll file your Suboxone lawsuit. This includes signing a retainer agreement formally stating that your attorney will represent you.
- Sign a Retainer Agreement: This document solidifies your relationship with your attorney and allows them to advocate.
- Collect Necessary Evidence: To build a strong case, gather all relevant documents, medical and dental records, bills, and proof of your Suboxone use.
- File the Complaint: A short-form complaint simplifies the process in many cases, particularly with MDL (Multidistrict Litigation). Your lawyer will guide you in deciding whether to file a long or short form based on your circumstances. Once your complaint reaches the court, your lawsuit officially begins.
- Submit Additional Documentation: Additional documents may be required. One could be a Plaintiff Fact Sheet, which includes detailed information about your personal history, medical background, and damages.
Related article: Who Can File a Suboxone Lawsuit?
Continue with Legal Proceedings
Your attorney will initiate a lawsuit against Indivior, Inc., the company behind Suboxone, and any other relevant defendants. If your case qualifies, it will transfer to the Suboxone Multi-District Litigation (MDL). This consolidation streamlines cases with similar claims.
During the Discovery phase, coordinated among several cases, various things occur, including:
- Shared Document Review: All plaintiffs’ attorneys can access important evidence, including internal Indivior documents, relevant medical studies, and FDA records.
- Common Depositions: Key witnesses, like Indivior executives, medical professionals, and regulatory authorities, will often provide their testimony once. This testimony will be part of all related cases within the MDL.
- Plaintiff-Specific Discovery: You might have to submit your medical records, including your medical history, prescription details, and any adverse effects you've experienced while taking Suboxone.
One important part of the MDL is the bellwether trials. These selected cases are tried first and serve as a barometer for how the remaining cases might go. The results of these bellwether trials can impact settlement discussions and how other cases proceed.
As the trial approaches, attorneys on both sides will submit motions that could impact it. These motions may aim to dismiss certain claims or restrict evidence presented in court. Some case aspects may be dismissed or refined depending on how these motions resolve.
Settlement or Trial
Settling is often the preferred option for many plaintiffs. Most cases settle after the discovery phase and bellwether trials, but the exact settlement amounts vary. They usually depend on factors like the severity of the injury. If a fair settlement can't be reached, it might be time for a trial. And, should the trial not go in your favor, there’s always the option to explore a post-trial appeal.
Most MDL (multidistrict litigation) cases don’t make it to trial. After discovery and the bellwether trials, the real action usually happens during global settlement negotiations. Ideally, this is where most plaintiffs and defendants hash things out to come to a resolution.
Settlement offers come based on a tiered system. Plaintiffs are categorized by how severe their injuries are and how strong their evidence is, which helps determine those offers. Your attorney plays an important role here, helping you weigh any potential settlement offers and whether it’s smarter to accept or to keep pushing for a trial.
If you can’t settle, your case may return to its original court for trial proceedings. During the trial, both sides will state their arguments. Your attorney will present compelling evidence showing how Suboxone caused harm (like dental injuries) and how Indivior fell short in warning users about these dangers. Ultimately, it’s up to a judge or jury to decide if Indivior is liable and what compensation you deserve.
If the jury rules in your favor, Indivior might appeal that decision, which can drag things out even longer with more legal steps to follow. Your attorney might also recommend filing an appeal if you lose the trial. Remember that an appeal can stretch the timeline for resolving your case by several months or even years, which may delay payouts.
Suboxone Settlement Payouts
Once Indivior, Inc. and your LitigationConnect attorneys agree on the settlement amount, a fund will be created to compensate everyone eligible. The payout process is on a tiered system, which means the more serious your injuries and stronger your evidence, the more you’ll be entitled to receive.
A portion of your settlement will cover various fees, including attorney fees and any costs related to the lawsuit, such as filing fees or expert witness charges. If you received medical treatments paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, these entities might place a lien on your settlement. This could impact the final amount you receive, so it’s something to consider.
After all fees and liens, you’ll get your compensation. Most people prefer a lump sum payment, but you might also have the option for direct deposit or check. The process can take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the claims complexity and the number of plaintiffs involved.
Generally, compensation for physical injuries, illnesses, and pain or suffering is not taxable. However, you should be prepared for tax implications on compensation for emotional distress (if it’s not linked to physical harm), punitive damages, and lost wages.
Contact LitigationConnect, LLC, and Get Justice for Dental Issues Related to Suboxone
If you’ve experienced dental problems like tooth decay or loss after using Suboxone, you’re not alone, and you might be entitled to compensation. Know that your health matters, and seeking justice can be the first step toward recovery.
At LitigationConnect, LLC, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case. We understand how these issues can impact your life and are committed to finding the best strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. We can discuss your options and help you understand your rights. Call us today at (833) 552-7274 or contact us online to schedule your appointment. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.