For people struggling with opioid use disorder, Suboxone can be a godsend. The drug contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent drug cravings. Suboxone use is associated with a decreased risk of fatal overdoses, and the global suboxone market is expected to surpass $7.8 billion by 2028. But for all of the drug’s benefits, there are significant side effects to consider. Patients have reported tooth decay, loss, and broken teeth — potential complications that weren’t listed on Suboxone sublingual film warning labels before 2022. As a result, those injured are filing Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturers for failing to warn them about the potential dental complications that the drug can cause.
Suboxone sublingual film dissolves under the tongue. Patients are advised to wait an hour before brushing their teeth after taking the medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about buprenorphine medication and dental problems in early 2022. The agency concluded that the benefits of use often outweigh the risks and that patients should be referred to a dentist when starting Suboxone sublingual film. However, patients who didn’t know that tooth decay was a potential side effect before starting the drug weren’t able to properly weigh the risks for themselves.
If you’ve experienced tooth decay after using Suboxone, you may have grounds to seek legal action. The first Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit was filed last year, and over 100 lawsuits have been filed since then. More are expected in the coming months as awareness increases about the potential damage that Suboxone sublingual film can cause. Finding the right Suboxone tooth decay lawyer can feel like an overwhelming task. Still, several things to look out for can help ensure you hire a professional who will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
What To Look For When Hiring a Suboxone Lawyer
Free Consultations: Many attorneys offer free consultations before you become a client. This allows them to examine the facts of your case and determine whether there’s enough evidence to move forward. It also allows you an opportunity to ensure that you trust the attorney before deciding to work with them.
Experience: Attorneys specialize in different practice areas, and their areas of expertise will vary. During your free consultation, you’ll have the ability to ask the attorney questions about their experience. Do they have experience with cases similar to your Suboxone tooth decay claim? If so, how successful have they been? Knowing the answer to these questions can help you determine whether or not you’ve found the right lawyer for your case. You must find a lawyer with knowledge of how Suboxone sublingual film works and how the drug can cause tooth decay.
Fees: Does the attorney expect you to pay fees upfront? Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t receive payment unless they win money for you. If a lawyer charges for a consultation or asks for money to represent you, it may be a sign that they aren’t the right fit for your Suboxone case.
Client Reviews: You should always check reviews before choosing a lawyer. They indicate whether previous clients have been satisfied with the attorney’s work ethic and overall demeanor. While many attorneys will feature client testimonials on their websites, Google Reviews is also a great way to review feedback on an attorney.
Contracts: Once an attorney/client relationship is established, you’ll sign a client contract. Be sure to review the contract closely and make sure that you agree with all of the terms before signing it. Your attorney should be willing to answer any questions you may have. Still, it’s important to read the contract carefully to ensure you aren’t signing a legally binding document you disagree with.
Filing A Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
As you search for the right lawyer for your case, you may wonder whether it’s worth it to file a Suboxone lawsuit in the first place. There are several benefits to seeking legal action if you’ve suffered tooth decay after taking Suboxone sublingual film. If left untreated, tooth decay and loss can cause serious health complications, including infections. Additionally, dental problems have been linked to an increased risk of mental health diagnoses. The tooth decay caused by Suboxone can significantly impact your life. While a Suboxone lawsuit won’t undo the damage, it can help you in several ways.
Hold Manufacturers Accountable: Drug manufacturers are expected to create safe products and warn consumers about potential side effects. A lawsuit is a way to hold the manufacturer accountable for failing to warn patients about the potential risks of Suboxone sublingual film.
Set An Example: Lawsuits can act as powerful deterrents to companies that may have been tempted to cut corners otherwise. When multiple parties sue a manufacturer, it usually garners media attention, and the general public takes notice.
Financial Compensation: Dental bills can quickly add up, even with insurance. A Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit can seek reimbursement for the medical bills you’ve accrued since your diagnosis. Additionally, you can seek non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
