Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.
It’s estimated that more than 55,000 Americans die each year from a drug overdose, which has become the leading cause of death of individuals under the age of 50. Sixty percent of these deaths are caused by opioid abuse and misuse. Since 1999, the number of prescription opioids sold in America has almost quadrupled.
The ramifications of the opioid epidemic are detrimental and continue to take a significant toll on all parties involved, including: the addicts, their family and friends and government entities. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the result of negligent prescription and marketing practices costs the U.S government and taxpayers approximately $75 billion per year; considering public healthcare, treatment facilities, law enforcement, criminal justice and jail expenses.
The Principal Law Group represents governments agencies (not individuals) impacted by the callous and fraudulent actions of doctors and negligent companies. With our expertise, we can investigate and hold all parties accountable for monumental fiscal damage.
Why Is There an Opioid Epidemic?
States, counties and cities alike are suing opioid distributors and manufacturers for violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act by failing to alert the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration of suspicious opioids purchases, such as orders of unusual size, frequency or pattern. The claims against the manufacturers are based on allegations the companies exaggerated the benefits of the medication and knew the drugs were being overly prescribed, yet failed to warn doctors of the extremely addictive nature of the narcotics and the need to strictly limit the dose. The enterprizes that have enabled misuse must now be held accountable for their irreparable damage.
Damages Being Sought in Government Opioid Claims
Government agencies are seeking reimbursement for erroneous health and social costs related to opioid abuse, which is estimated to be in excess of $55 billion each year.
Some of the specific damages being sought include:
- The building and maintenance costs of treatment facilities.
- Reimbursement of Medicaid and other governmental expenses related to the treatment of addicts, including the payment for unnecessarily prescribed opioids, and the antidote to treat overdoses.
- Reimbursement for added law enforcement and medical personnel to treat the opioid epidemic.
- Reimbursement for costs of prosecutions and jails.
If your agency believes that it has suffered financial injustices and has grounds for a groundbreaking opioid lawsuit, call Principal Law Group today at 855-755-4754.