Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors Face Lawsuits Over Epidemic

Jul 25,2017

As the nation faces the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history, state and local governments are suing opioid manufacturers and distributors in an attempt to force the industry to make changes.

In 2015, more than 25,000 people in the U.S. died from an opioid overdose. That is more than twice the number who died from opioid overdoses just 10 years earlier. In fact, more people now die from opioids than from homicide. If the numbers continue to rise, opioid overdoses could surpass traffic accidents as a cause of death.

Over the past year, 25 states, cities and counties have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers, distributors and retailers that make up the opioid industry. The lawsuits bear similarities to the legal battle against the tobacco industry that took place in the 1990s. The goal is similar as well: force the industry to address the public health crisis that is opioid addiction.

What Role do Opioid Manufacturers Play in the Epidemic?

Ohio has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic. Officials estimate roughly 200,000 Ohio residents are addicted to opioids. In an effort to curb the epidemic, state Attorney General Mike DeWine sued five major drug manufacturers. Ohio is the second state to file such a suit; Mississippi filed its suit earlier this year. Ohio’s lawsuit claims the opioid companies aggressively marketed their products by exaggerating their benefits and downplaying the risk of addiction.

More states are considering lawsuits against opioid companies. Additionally, many state attorneys general are investigating the industry.

“Opioids are a $13 billion industry in the U.S. These manufacturers and distributors are making a huge profit from their products, so this will not be an easy battle. However, thousands of lives are at stake. It is time for the industry to own up to its role in the problem and make changes to curb this public health crisis,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.