Key Takeaways

1. Suboxone lawsuit payouts per person vary widely, with most estimates ranging from $10,000 to $500,000+, depending on the severity of dental injuries and individual circumstances.
2. Settlement amounts are influenced by factors such as the extent of tooth decay, cost of dental treatment, and the impact on daily life, with more severe cases generally receiving higher compensation.
3. The Suboxone litigation is ongoing, and all payout figures are based on current allegations and available information; actual settlement amounts may change as cases progress.

Understanding the Suboxone Lawsuit

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone, primarily used to treat opioid dependence. It has been widely prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment programs. However, recent lawsuits allege that Suboxone can cause severe dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss, especially when used as a sublingual film or tablet.

Why Are There Lawsuits?

The core of the Suboxone lawsuits centers on allegations that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of dental injuries associated with the medication. Plaintiffs claim that they suffered significant dental harm after using Suboxone as prescribed and that earlier warnings could have prevented these injuries. The lawsuits seek compensation for dental treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

For more background, see the FDA Drug Safety Communication on Suboxone.

Suboxone Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Average Settlement Ranges

Settlement amounts in Suboxone lawsuits are not uniform. They depend on the severity of the dental injuries, the cost of treatment, and the impact on the claimant's quality of life. According to multiple legal sources, including TruLaw and Drugwatch, the following ranges are commonly cited:

• Minor dental damage: $10,000 to $50,000
• Moderate dental damage: $50,000 to $150,000
• Severe dental damage: $150,000 to $500,000 or more

Some sources, such as MG Injury Firm, suggest that in rare, severe cases, payouts could exceed $1 million, though this is not typical.

Factors Affecting Payouts

Several factors influence the amount each person may receive:

• Severity of dental injuries: More extensive tooth decay, multiple extractions, or the need for implants and reconstructive work generally lead to higher settlements.
• Cost of dental treatment: Documentation of dental bills and future care needs is critical.
• Impact on daily life: If dental injuries affect eating, speaking, or employment, compensation may increase.
• Strength of evidence: Medical records, dental reports, and proof of Suboxone use are essential.
• State laws and individual circumstances: Local statutes and the specifics of each case can affect outcomes.

Dolman Law Group and LawFirm.com both emphasize that every case is unique, and these figures are only estimates.

Recent and Historical Settlements

The Suboxone litigation has seen several large settlements involving the drug's manufacturers:

• 2019: Reckitt Benckiser Group agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement for deceptive marketing practices related to Suboxone (DOJ Press Release).
• 2020: Indivior reached a $600 million settlement to resolve claims of illegal practices to boost Suboxone prescriptions (DOJ Press Release).
• 2023: Indivior agreed to pay $102.5 million to settle a lawsuit related to Suboxone (Miller & Zois).

It is important to note that these large settlements were paid to resolve government and class action claims, not to individual plaintiffs. Individual payouts are determined separately and are typically much lower, based on the factors discussed above.

How Are Suboxone Lawsuit Payouts Calculated?

The Role of Injury Severity

The most significant factor in determining a Suboxone lawsuit payout is the severity of the dental injury. For example, a person who experienced minor tooth sensitivity and required only basic dental care will likely receive a lower settlement than someone who lost multiple teeth and needed implants or dentures.

Documentation and Evidence

Claimants must provide strong documentation, including:

• Proof of Suboxone prescriptions and usage
• Dental records before, during, and after Suboxone use
• Receipts and estimates for dental treatment
• Medical expert opinions linking Suboxone to the dental injuries

The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger the case for a higher payout.

Settlement Tiers

Legal experts often categorize cases into tiers:

• Tier 1: Minor injuries, minimal treatment, limited impact ($10,000–$50,000)
• Tier 2: Moderate injuries, multiple treatments, moderate impact ($50,000–$150,000)
• Tier 3: Severe injuries, extensive treatment, significant impact ($150,000–$500,000+)

These tiers are not official but are used by attorneys to estimate potential settlement values.

Timeline for Receiving a Suboxone Settlement

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline for receiving a Suboxone lawsuit payout varies. According to Drugwatch, it can take 6 to 12 months after a settlement is finalized for individuals to receive their payments. The process may be longer if there are appeals, disputes over evidence, or a large number of claimants.

The Settlement Process

1. Filing the claim: The plaintiff submits evidence and documentation.
2. Case review: Attorneys and experts evaluate the claim.
3. Negotiation: Parties negotiate a settlement amount.
4. Finalization: Once agreed, the settlement is approved by the court (if part of a class action or MDL).
5. Payout: Funds are distributed to claimants, often after deducting legal fees and costs.

Ongoing Litigation and Future Outlook

Current Status

The Suboxone litigation is active and ongoing. Many cases are still being filed, and no global settlement has been reached for all individual claimants. The figures discussed in this guide are projections and estimates based on current information and may change as the litigation progresses.

What to Expect

As more cases are resolved, clearer patterns in settlement amounts may emerge. For now, the best available data suggests that most individual payouts will fall between $10,000 and $500,000, with outliers on either end depending on the specifics of each case.

For updates on the litigation, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (where some Suboxone cases are being coordinated) or consult the FDA’s safety communications.

Conclusion

Suboxone lawsuit payouts per person are highly variable. The most important factors are the severity of dental injuries, the cost of treatment, and the strength of supporting evidence. While some settlements may be modest, others could be substantial, especially in cases involving severe, life-altering dental harm. The litigation is still developing, and all figures are subject to change as new information becomes available.

For attorneys and legal professionals seeking in-depth research and updates on Suboxone and other pharmaceutical litigation, visit Counsel Stack.

Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of Suboxone lawsuit payouts per person. The information is based on current allegations, public settlements, and available legal sources as of June 2024. Actual settlement amounts and outcomes may vary. This is not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a qualified attorney.