Suboxone is a medication used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It has now been associated with serious dental problems, including tooth decay, loss, and gum disease.
The manufacturer failed to add a warning label, which caused many people to be unaware of the potential risks. The manufacturer of the drug, Indivior, has been sued for not disclosing these side effects, and settlements in such cases have to consider several damages.
A fair and comprehensive Suboxone settlement should cover both economic and non-economic losses. The Suboxone lawsuit settlement amounts depend on the accurate evaluation of these losses.
These are the losses that should be found in an ideal Suboxone settlement.
Severity of Dental Injuries
The severity of the dental injury influences the compensation amounts. Some victims may suffer from mild cavities. Some, on the other hand, may struggle with extreme dental decay, abscesses, infections, and even full tooth loss. More severe cases may require multiple root canals, crowns, implants, or even full dentures. All of these will increase medical costs and general discomfort.
A patient who loses many teeth from Suboxone-related decay may need a complete set of dental implants. Such can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Under such circumstances, a settlement should represent not only the physical damage but also the lifetime influence of reduced dental health.
Cost of Dental Treatments
Repairing Suboxone-related damage through dental work can be rather expensive. Treatments like cavity fillings, root canals, extractions, and implants can cost between a few hundred to several thousand dollars per tooth. Full-mouth restorations, which may involve bridges, dentures, or dental implants, can cost between $50,000 and $150,000.
Sometimes patients need operations spread over several years to maintain oral health. Past and future medical expenses should be fully covered in an ideal settlement.
Lost Wages Due to Dental Treatments
Victims of Suboxone-related dental problems may miss work to receive treatment and during recovery. Some may require several dental appointments over months or years, depending on how severe the damage is. This can lead to notable income loss.
Workers who rely on their appearance for their job roles may also find fewer work prospects because of obvious dental damage. Not only should current time off be compensated, but also possible future earnings lost due to ongoing dental problems.
Pain and Suffering
Dental problems can also cause severe physical pain, including chronic toothaches, nerve damage, infections, and difficulty eating. The discomfort can seriously affect a person’s everyday life. Therefore, even simple chores become difficult and unpleasant.
Apart from physical suffering, emotional distress from dental damage is also considerable. Changes in appearance could cause social anxiety, depression, and embarrassment. Although it is more difficult to quantify, this kind of non-economic loss is crucial for settlement calculations. Compensation should represent the psychological and emotional toll that prolonged dental problems cause for victims.
Impact on Quality of Life
Suboxone-induced dental issues can seriously affect daily living and make eating, speaking, or smiling uncomfortable. Many victims report that their general well-being and self-esteem suffer, which influences both personal and professional relationships.
These lifestyle changes should be considered when determining compensation. This ensures that victims are fairly compensated for long-term consequences on their quality of life.