In May of 2018, San Diego added its considerable influence to the list of what are now 30 California counties and counting that are filing federal lawsuits against America’s largest opioid manufacturers and distributors. In the lawsuits, the general argument of these counties is that opioid corporations have used deceptive marketing that portrayed opioids as more safe and effective than they actually are, which has, in turn, contributed to an unprecedented opioid crisis that has claimed tens of thousands of American lives each year.
San Diego County and the other counties have joined figurative arms by organizing under the California Opioid Consortium, and the Consortium itself joins more than 500 other public entities that are filing similar lawsuits around the country. Indeed, 26 states have also filed similar legal action against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Other large California cities and entities are bringing their own legal action, including the city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Brings Legal Action Against Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors As Well
The city of Los Angeles sued 9 drug companies in May of 2018, arguing that these companies are responsible for "driving" the opioid epidemic. Further, the lawsuit also argues that the six manufacturers and three distributors sued violated federal laws in the following ways:
- Deceptive marketing was used to improve sales of opioid painkillers
- Opioid makers failed to report suspicious sales
- Federal law was violated as opioids have gone on to create a public nuisance
- Doctors were encouraged to prescribe opioid for long-term pain while the addictive nature of opioids were minimized by these manufacturers and distributors
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti noted that the city suffered from more overdoses than homicides in recent years. The civil lawsuit filed by Los Angeles names the following companies as defendants:
- Purdue Pharma (maker of OxyContin)
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals
- Cephalon
- Insys Therapeutics
- Mallinckrodt
- Endo Pharmaceuticals
The city went on to accuse these companies of following the deceptive marketing tactics and unethical business practices outlined in the figurative playbook of the tobacco industry.
Talk to a California Opioid Lawyer About Your Legal Claim
The Ledger Law Firm is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm led by nationally recognized personal injury lawyer Emery Ledger. Mr. Ledger is a licensed attorney in California who has practiced law since 1998, helping personal injury victims recover millions in deserved compensation.
Our team is here to represent your legal claim if you or a loved one has been affected by the opioid crisis by a legally responsible party. With our national resources, our law firm will review the facts of your claim by conducting a thorough investigation that gets you the answers you need regarding whether a liable party caused the harms your family has suffered.
If a legally liable party bears responsibility for the harms of opioid addiction that you or a loved one suffered, we will represent you by fighting for your right to receive the justice and legal compensation that is owed.
If you are ready to discuss your legal claim related to opioid overdose or addiction, a Ledger Law opioid lawyer in California is ready to discuss your legal claim. Contact us online for a free case evaluation concerning your California opioid lawsuit today.
