Community Opioid Litigation
Hoosiers are more likely to die from a drug overdose than an automobile accident. A recent dramatic increase in use of prescription opioid pain medications, such as OxyContin and Opana, is the cause of this sobering statement. Drug manufacturers including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharmaceuticals [not related to Purdue University], Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals knew that opioids are too addictive for long-term use for chronic pain yet engaged in deceptive marketing practices in order to make a profit.
Opioid Addiction Epidemic Impact on Communities
So many people have suffered as a result of the opioid epidemic. Opioid overdoses and deaths have taken a toll on families and communities. Opioid addiction is a contributing factor in approximately two-thirds of child maltreatment cases. In 2012, Indiana was ranked 9th for the largest number of opioid prescriptions written. Counties, cities, and towns across Indiana spend millions of dollars each year on services for law enforcement, health services, social services, and expenses related to the criminal justice process in their battle against the opioid addiction epidemic.
Legal Battle Against Opioid Addiction
CohenMalad, LLP was hired by the City of Indianapolis to pursue legal action against manufacturers and distributors of opioid pain medications. During a press conference on October 5, the mayor stated “The companies contributing to this crisis have failed in their duty to be responsible gatekeepers. These potential defendants spread the false message that opioids were safe for chronic pain and not addictive.” Irwin Levin of CohenMalad, LLP, addressed the media and stated, “It’s time for those manufacturers…to pay for the harm they’ve caused our cities and communities.”
State of Indiana opioid website resourceÂ
VIDEO from the Mayor’s press conference courtesy of CBS4 Indy Facebook page.
Opioid Lawsuit News Updates
- City of Bloomington, Monroe County, and Lake County each announce they will pursue opioid litigation and be represented by CohenMalad, LLP.
- Delaware County in talks with CohenMalad, LLP to pursue opioid litigation.
- City of New Castle files lawsuit against opioid drug manufacturers and distributors.
- Madison County, Alexandria, and Elwood each announce they have hired CohenMalad, LLP for opioid litigation
- Elwood Mayor talks about opioid lawsuit VIDEO HERE
- More Indiana cities join opioid crisis, claim the crisis was foreseeable VIDEO
- Marshall County sues pharmaceutical companies, blames them for role in opioid crisis.
- VIDEO from WNDU about Marshall County and possible St. Joseph County opioid lawsuits.
- Pendleton joins other Indiana cities in lawsuit against opioid manufacturers.
