Hundreds of governmental entities have filed lawsuits to recoup funds expended addressing the opioid crisis. The lawsuits have primarily targeted drugmakers and drug distributors for allegedly engaging in deceptive marketing campaigns to promote the widespread use of opioids.
The following stories published by Becker's Hospital Review since Feb. 14 contain information on recent lawsuits filings, developments in ongoing cases and a call for a federal legal action.
Attorneys on behalf of Chicago filed a federal lawsuit March 6 against three of the largest opioid distributors in the U.S. for allegedly contributing to a public health crisis related to the "unfettered and unlawful distribution" of opioids in the city.
2. Kentucky AG files fourth opioid crisis lawsuit
Kentucky's Attorney General on March 8 filed a lawsuit against AmerisourceBergen, alleging the drug distributor engaged in deceptive business practices related to the overdistribution of opioids in the state.
3. 1 judge, 400 opioid lawsuits: 4 notes on his unconventional judicial approach
A federal judge from the Northern District of Ohio is tasked with overseeing more than 400 federal lawsuits brought by Native American tribes, cities and counties against drugmakers, drug distributors and retail pharmacies for the companies' alleged role in the opioid crisis.
4. Trump calls for federal opioid lawsuit against drug companies
President Donald Trump called for a federal lawsuit against drug companies during a summit on the opioid crisis held at the White House March 1.
5. DOJ aligns with states in opioid lawsuit, increases scrutiny on drug companies: 4 things to know
A newly formed Department of Justice task force will leverage all available criminal and civil penalties under the law to hold opioid makers and distributors accountable for any potential illegal practices related to the supply of opioid medications, according to a Feb. 27 announcement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
6. Ohio AG targets 4 drug distributors in second opioid lawsuit
Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit Feb. 26 against four drug distributors, alleging the companies created a public nuisance through unsafe distribution tactics that resulted in the oversupply of opioids in Ohio.
7. New Jersey county opioid lawsuit targets former Purdue leaders
Attorneys representing Camden County filed a lawsuit Feb. 21 against drugmakers and drug distributors for the companies' alleged roles in perpetuating the opioid crisis in New Jersey.
8. Kentucky AG files third opioid epidemic lawsuit
Kentucky's attorney general on Feb. 20 filed a lawsuit against Cardinal Health, alleging the company engaged in deceptive business practices to promote the widespread distribution of opioids.
9. Standing Rock Sioux file lawsuit against 24 opioid makers, distributors
Attorneys on behalf of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota on Feb. 13 filed a lawsuit against 24 drugmakers and drug distributors for the companies' alleged roles in facilitating the opioid epidemic within the tribe's reservation.