Did you know that millions of Americans struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD)?
Suboxone is a medication that helps people with OUD manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, playing a vital role in recovery. However, some Suboxone users have reported experiencing a severe side effect: tooth decay.
This has led to an increase in lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturers. If you’ve been taking Suboxone and developed dental problems, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for a Suboxone tooth decay claim.
The following sections explore the details of these lawsuits and the types of damages you might recover.
Understanding Suboxone-Induced Tooth Decay
Suboxone comes in a thin film that dissolves under your tongue. This sublingual film is convenient, but it has a downside: acidity. Just like some foods and drinks, Suboxone has acidic properties.
This acidity can be harsh on your teeth because it weakens tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Think of the enamel as a shield for your teeth. When the acid weakens this shield, it makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
These cavities are tiny holes that can cause pain and sensitivity and, if left untreated, lead to more serious problems like gum disease and tooth loss. It’s important to note that not everyone who takes Suboxone will experience these dental problems, but it’s a potential side effect to be aware of.
The Legal Basis for Suboxone Lawsuits
Have you ever wondered if a medication you take could be responsible for unexpected health problems? That’s the idea behind product liability lawsuits. These lawsuits hold manufacturers accountable for putting out products that cause harm, especially if they fail to warn consumers about potential risks.
In the case of Suboxone lawsuits, plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers didn’t adequately warn about the potential for tooth decay. This lack of warning could be seen as negligence, opening the door for legal action to recover damages for dental problems linked to Suboxone use.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Suboxone Lawsuit
If a lawsuit related to Suboxone tooth decay is successful, you might be entitled to recover several types of damages. These are meant to compensate you for the financial and emotional burden caused by the dental problems you experienced.
●Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of treating your dental issues, including past procedures like fillings or root canals and any future treatments you might need.
●Lost Wages: If you had to take time off work for dental procedures or because of pain related to tooth decay, you could recover compensation for lost income.
●Pain and Suffering: Dental problems can be painful and embarrassing, impacting your daily life. This category aims to compensate you for the emotional distress caused by these issues.
●Other Compensatory Damages: There might be additional out-of-pocket expenses related to your dental care, such as transportation to appointments or purchasing special dental products. These can also be included in your damages claim.
Proving Damages in a Suboxone Lawsuit
Winning a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit hinges on proving you suffered damages and that Suboxone use caused them. Here’s what that entails:
●Medical Records: Strong evidence from detailed medical records documenting dental problems. These records should establish the severity of the issues and the course of treatment you received. Ideally, a clear timeline should link the problems to when you started taking Suboxone.
●Expert Witness Testimony: Expert witnesses, like dentists or medical professionals, can play a crucial role. They can analyze your medical records, assess the link between Suboxone and your dental issues, and estimate the extent of your damages, including future treatment needs. Their expertise strengthens your case by clearly showing the harm you’ve experienced.
Additional Considerations for Suboxone Lawsuits
There are a couple of essential things to keep in mind with Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.Each state has a time limit for filing lawsuits, called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation.
In January 2022, the FDA required Suboxone manufacturers to update their labels to include warnings about potential dental problems. This update might affect how future lawsuits are handled. It’s always best to consult an attorney specializing in personal injury or product liability law to understand your situation.
Seeking Legal Help for Suboxone Tooth Decay
If you’ve experienced dental problems after taking Suboxone, consider talking to an attorney. They can guide you through your legal options and help you determine if you have a case.
