How Much Will I Get From the Suboxone Settlement? [2024 Update]

To date, approximately 11,000 lawsuits have been filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, alleging that the company knew of the risk of serious dental issues with the use of the drug and failed to warn consumers. Many of the lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 3092) in February 2024, following research that linked Suboxone sublingual films to serious dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

The estimated settlement amount per person in the Suboxone lawsuit ranges between $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the extent of their individual damages.

Suboxone Settlement Amounts and Payout Overview

Suboxone, a drug used to help with opioid withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse, is manufactured by specialty pharmaceutical company Indivior. It is commonly prescribed to people battling with opioid addiction or struggling with opioid use disorder. Lawsuits against Indivior allege that the drug, which is administered sublingually, caused serious tooth decay and other oral issues. The dental problems have caused many plaintiffs substantial health and financial struggles, including emotional distress and severe financial losses. 

Individuals who have suffered tooth decay after taking Suboxone may be entitled to compensation. Factors influencing settlement amounts include the severity of dental damage, the impact on physical health, the costs of dental treatment required to rectify the issues, the emotional suffering endured by the person, and the effect on the person’s career and personal life. Average settlement amounts are expected to range between $50,000 and $175,000, depending on individual damages and other circumstances. 

Aggrieved individuals are strongly encouraged to contact a qualified attorney. An attorney can help ensure they receive the compensation based on the extent of tooth decay, treatment costs, and overall impact on the plaintiff’s life. Contact King Law today to schedule a free consultation. Suboxone lawsuits involve complex litigation requiring an experienced attorney to help ensure fair compensation is secured.

Suboxone Settlement Amounts and Payouts Per Person – 2024 Update

November 1, 2024: More People File Federal Suboxone Lawsuits and Work Toward Settlements

As of November 1, 2024, there were 678 suboxone sublingual film lawsuits pending in federal court. These cases are part of MDL 3092, the RE: Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) Film Products Liability Litigation. As more people file lawsuits, more future settlements will likely occur. Suboxone’s manufacturer is part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL). In an MDL, each person’s case is evaluated individually. This means settlements will be unique for each successful plaintiff. It is expected more suboxone lawsuits will be filed by people who experienced severe dental injuries after using Suboxone strips.

September 30, 2024: Suboxone Settlements Could Exceed $150,000 for Severe Dental Injuries

Our firm is estimating Suboxone settlements to range between $50,000 and $150,000 per person. As we continue to take on more cases, we’re learning how severe some of the major injuries related to tooth decay from Suboxone films really are. These injuries are typically classified into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 within our firm. Given the extent and seriousness of the damages we’ve seen in these lawsuits, it wouldn’t be surprising to see several payouts exceed the $150,000 mark.

July 2024: A tolling agreement may allow some individuals to still file a lawsuit despite a two-year statute of limitations. Individuals affected by tooth decay after taking Suboxone are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney to determine their eligibility for taking legal action.

May 2024: As of May 2024, there are over 200 lawsuits pending in the multidistrict litigation filed out of the Northern District of Ohio.

March 2024: It is estimated that hundreds to thousands of valid Suboxone lawsuits may be filed against Indivior in the coming months. An initial status conference in the MDL is scheduled for March 7, 2024. 

February 2024: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order to consolidate over a dozen Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL 3092) out of the Northern District of Ohio.

About Suboxone Settlements and Payouts Per Person:

What Is a Settlement in the Suboxone Lawsuit?

A settlement in a Suboxone lawsuit is an agreement that ends a legal dispute related to injuries caused by the drug. If agreed to, it results in the voluntary dismissal of any related litigation. A settlement may be reached before or after court action begins. In a Suboxone settlement, the responsible party (the manufacturer) pays an agreed-upon amount to compensate a person for the damages caused by the drug. 

Once a settlement is reached and the terms are approved and complied with, the case ends. It may take several months or even years to resolve a Suboxone lawsuit. A settlement can help to shorten this otherwise lengthy process. Factors influencing the settlement amount in a Suboxone lawsuit include the facts of the case, the type and severity of injuries, the emotional harm to the plaintiff, the cost of litigation, and other circumstances.

How Do Suboxone Settlements Work?

Due to the nature of the litigation, each plaintiff shall receive their own settlement based on the damages they incurred in a Suboxone lawsuit. Settlements may be equal or unequal and are determined by the individual circumstances of a case, providing more flexibility and fairness than a jury verdict. Compensation is generally proportional to the level of loss experienced by an individual plaintiff. 

In a Suboxone lawsuit, claims may be settled out of court or resolved by a court judgment. In many instances, people band together into a plaintiff group, helping to streamline the legal process. Individuals in a larger plaintiffs group may receive smaller individual payments. Damages are evaluated on an individual basis; however, all plaintiffs’ attorneys must agree with the portion that their client would receive in a group settlement. If no agreement can be reached among the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the offer will likely be rejected by the court. 

In an effort to protect their reputation and the value of their shares, Indivior, Inc., the manufacturer of Suboxone, continues to fight lawsuits related to tooth decay caused by the use of the drug.

The Suboxone Antitrust Settlement and Its Impact on MDL 3092

In addition to lawsuits related to Suboxone’s potential to cause serious dental issues, manufacturers of the drug also faced allegations of deceptive marketing and anticompetitive practices. Over the course of several years, Reckitt Benckiser Group and their wholly owned subsidiary, Indivior, have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to settle antitrust lawsuits throughout the United States.

According to this litigation, the companies engaged in a deceptive strategy to maintain a monopoly over the sublingual drug and keep prices high by preventing competition from lower-cost generics. As a result of these lawsuits, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was able to return nearly $60 million ($50 million from Reckitt Benckiser and $10 million from Indivior) to individuals who were overcharged for Suboxone. The average payment amount per person was $1,139. 

As part of the settlements, both companies agreed to cease anticompetitive practices and disgorge ill-gotten gains as penalties. The settlements were designed to protect consumers from future deceptive practices and ensure a competitive marketplace for prescription drugs. The antitrust settlement may affect Indiviro’s financial capacity or alter its legal strategy in tooth decay lawsuits. Additionally, the exposure of the manufacturer’s previous misconduct may influence public perception and judicial attitudes, potentially bolstering plaintiffs’ arguments in injury cases.

The Suboxone Settlement Process and Timeline

Suboxone lawsuits may take several weeks to a year or more to resolve. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a suboxone lawyer to determine if your case qualifies and the potential duration of the claim. A lawyer can help gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records and expert witness testimony. 

Many Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation to help streamline the legal process, ensuring efficiency within the court system. An attorney can help ensure that the case is filed in the appropriate court against the manufacturer of Suboxone, Indivior, Inc. 

In multidistrict litigation, a small number of representative cases are tried first to help predict the outcomes of the remaining cases and inform settlement negotiations. While there is no typical timeline for these kinds of claims, the process may vary substantially based on the complexity and scale of the case. All claims are guided by a state-specific statute of limitations that should be reviewed by an experienced attorney.

Key Factors Affecting Suboxone Payouts Per Person

Several factors may affect the payout that a person may receive in a Suboxone lawsuit. It is important to discuss your case with an attorney to determine the value and validity of your claim. 

Factors affecting the payout in a Suboxone lawsuit:

• Ability to establish a duty of care: A plaintiff must be able to show that Indivior, Inc. owed a duty of care to warn consumers about all potential side effects related to Suboxone. They must also establish that the manufacturer breached that duty by failing to provide adequate warnings and conducting inadequate research before the drug’s market release. 
• Ability to establish causation: A plaintiff must also be able to prove that their use of Suboxone caused their injuries and that they had actual damages directly related to the use of the drug. 
• Strength of evidence: Plaintiffs must be able to provide substantial evidence connecting Suboxone to their injuries and their injuries to actual damages.
• Injury severity: Individuals with serious health issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease or who require in-depth treatment are more likely to receive higher payouts. 
• Length or duration of exposure: Long-term and frequent use of Suboxone may increase the risk of developing severe side effects.
• Magnitude of damages: Plaintiffs must be able to prove damages. Damages may include compensation for both economic and non-economic losses such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. 

Individuals who have experienced serious dental issues after taking Suboxone are encouraged to contact a qualified attorney. Dental problems associated with Suboxone use may require extensive and ongoing treatment that may affect the overall health and quality of a person’s life. The extent of tooth decay and the cost of dental procedures often prove critical in Suboxone lawsuits. In order to ensure you receive a fair and full settlement, it is imperative to provide detailed documentation of dental bills, insurance claims, and treatment records to the attorney.

Estimated Suboxone Settlement and Payout Amounts

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are expected to settle for between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on the circumstances of the case. The case’s value will depend on the claimed damages, which generally encompass the cost of dental care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any punitive damages. 

Factors such as the severity of dental issues and the length of time a person has been experiencing dental health problems may affect the payout. Additionally, the ability to provide proof that the drug caused the injuries is critical. The outcome of future Bellwether trials may deeply impact settlement values. 

Settlements are usually the quickest way to receive a substantial payout in a qualifying case, but all cases should be reviewed by an attorney prior to accepting an offer. An attorney will explore all possible damages and negotiate for the largest possible recovery.

How to Calculate Your Suboxone Settlement Amount

Suboxone lawsuits often require complex litigation, making it challenging to calculate a potential settlement without the help of an attorney. An attorney will review your case and help to determine its validity and value. It is essential to consult with an attorney as early in the case as possible to ensure you meet all statutes of limitations or state-specific requirements.

Steps to calculate a Suboxone settlement amount:

• Consult with an attorney: As early in the process as possible, individuals should consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the strength of their case. An attorney will guide you through the legal process and help you understand the potential compensation range by reviewing comparable cases and settlements. 
• Document and quantify expenses: Document all medical expenses related to dental issues caused by Suboxone, including treatments for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental health problems. An attorney can also help you quantify lost wages if the dental issues have affected your ability to work, including any potential future earning capacity.
• Gather strong evidence: Collect evidence that links Suboxone to your dental injuries, such as medical records, expert testimonies, and documentation of the severity of your dental health problems. Evidence should demonstrate the long-term impact of these injuries on your overall health and quality of life.
• Reviewing comparable cases: With your attorney, you may review similar cases and settlements to get an idea of the potential compensation range for Suboxone-related dental injuries. This will also help you to consider the severity and long-term impact of your injuries when estimating your potential settlement amount.

Suboxone Settlement Payment Methods: Prepaid Cards, Direct Deposits, and Mailed Checks

While the exact method of Suboxone settlement disbursement has not been explicitly detailed, there are several methods that have been utilized by the FTC and other agencies to ensure quick and efficient payouts. 

Potential methods of disbursement:

• Prepaid cards: Some Suboxone settlement disbursements may be issued via a prepaid card. This method was used in May 2021 when the FTC mailed 14,663 prepaid debit cards to consumers affected by the antitrust scheme involving Suboxone. 
• Mailed checks: Checks may be another method of delivery for Suboxone settlements. The FTC issued 37,212 checks in the antitrust settlement process. 
• Direct deposit: The final method of distribution may be through direct deposit, although the FTC has thus far preferred the previous two methods. 

Claimants should be prepared to receive funds via prepaid card, check, or direct deposit based on historical settlement disbursement methods.

When You Can Expect Your Suboxone Settlement Check

Unfortunately, there is no typical timeline for receiving payment in a mass tort lawsuit like Suboxone. It could take anywhere from several weeks to a year or more to resolve claims. Factors that may influence the amount of time it takes to receive a check include the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs involved, and the defendant’s willingness to settle. 

It is important to note that even after a settlement is reached, it may still take a substantial amount of time to receive compensation. Additionally, certain deductions will be taken prior to payment, including those related to contingency fees (usually an agreement with your attorney), medical liens, and taxes.

Verification Process for Suboxone Settlement Fund Check

If you believe that you should receive a Suboxone settlement fund check, you will need to go through a verification process. It is imperative to ensure that the check is legitimate. 

How to verify the authenticity of a settlement fund check:

• Review the explanation and case details that come with your payment or claim form.
• Go to the official website of the Federal Trade Commission.
• Check the website for the case listing.
• Look for the company name, issuing payments, and a contact number for the claims administrator.
• Contact the appointed claims administrator for verification.
• Consult with an attorney to obtain guidance on how to recognize authentic communication related to the settlement and payouts. 
• Use official settlement resources to verify authenticity.

Distribution of Settlements for Suboxone Lawsuit Plaintiffs

Each plaintiff will receive their own individual settlement based on the damages they suffered due to Suboxone. Settlement amounts differ among plaintiffs due to the unique circumstances of each case, such as the severity of dental issues like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Settlements are tailored to each plaintiff’s needs and can be agreed upon before or after a lawsuit is filed.

If a group settlement is offered, all plaintiffs’ attorneys must agree to the portion their client will receive. If no agreement is reached, the offer may be rejected. Plaintiffs can decide whether to accept the settlement or pursue additional compensation. Once a settlement is reached, a settlement fund is established to compensate all plaintiffs involved in the litigation.

The settlement fund may use a points system or a tiered approach to ensure fair distribution. Points or tiers are assigned based on the evaluation of each claim, with higher points or tiers corresponding to more severe dental injuries and more significant damages. Plaintiffs then receive their individual payouts from the settlement fund based on their assigned points or tier.

Two mass tort distribution models may also be used, including the pro rata distribution, in which each plaintiff receives an equal share of the settlement fund, regardless of individual differences in damages. The other model is a matrix distribution where settlements are based on a matrix that categorizes plaintiffs according to the severity and nature of their injuries. This method aims to ensure fair compensation aligned with the specific circumstances of each plaintiff and is used more frequently than the pro rata distribution model.

Contact a Suboxone Lawyer

Did you suffer serious dental health issues after taking Suboxone? You may be entitled to take legal action. Contact the legal team at King Law to determine whether you are eligible for a lawsuit. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling Suboxone lawsuits and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)