The City of Baltimore has filed suit against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and one doctor’s office for their part in the opioid epidemic that has ravaged the city. The suit, which is being spearheaded by the City’s Solicitor Andre Davis, is one of several which have been filed recently in an attempt to apportion the massive costs being incurred by cities and states in their fight against the epidemic.
The lawsuit claims that these drug manufacturers and distributors knew of the dangerous and addictive nature of the drugs they were producing and marketing, but chose to downplay or ignore those risks, which left the public unable to understand the impact those drugs may have on them or the addictive nature of drugs. These companies were negligent in their acts, the lawsuit alleges, and should therefore be held financially responsible for the damages inflicted.
“The legal theories presented by these lawsuits are ones normally used by individuals harmed by defective drugs or products, to try and have the company responsible pay for injuries caused,” said Glenn Ivey, a Dangerous Drug Attorney with the law firm of Price Benowitz, LLP in Washington, D.C. These cities and states are arguing that they have been damaged because the negligence of the companies have caused massive spikes in health care costs due to overdoses.
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