Opioids are a class of prescription drugs that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain. They are generally safe when taken for a short period of time, but because they can produce euphoria in addition to relieving pain, even regular use prescribed by a doctor can lead to dependence, overdose incidents, and even death.
This opioid epidemic has hit Massachusetts especially hard. According to mass.gov, opioid-related deaths in the state were four times higher in 2015 than 2000 and have surpassed the national average in the past two years.
Opioid Lawsuits
Although these types of lawsuits are relatively new, they all have similar allegations: the manufacturers and distributors have directly impacted our communities by misrepresenting the addictive properties of these drugs and not monitoring the suspicious activities of “pill mill” pharmacies. This addiction has derailed the lives of many people in our communities by manipulating the supply chain of these prescription drugs. Common prescription opioids include:
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
The addictive properties of opioids are well documented. Among new heroin users, approximately 3 out of 4 heroin report to abusing prescription opioids prior to using heroin.
A Community Solution to a Community Problem
Compensation for cases on behalf of our cities, towns, and communities depend on the specifics of each case, but in general, a recovery will focus on:
- Money wrongfully paid for opioids through government-payor programs including employee insurance;
- Costs for providing medical care, additional therapeutic, and prescription drug purchases, and other treatments for patients suffering from opioid-related addiction or disease, including overdoses and deaths;
- Drug treatment programs;
- Costs for providing treatment of infants born with opioid-related medical conditions;
- Costs for providing welfare or protective services for children whose parents suffer from opioid-related disability or incapacitation;
- Costs directly associated with law enforcement and public safety relating to the opioid epidemic;
- Local governments may also be entitled to injunctive relief to prevent the further unlawful distribution of these drugs.
Contact Us
At Sweeney Merrigan Law, we believe that the opioid epidemic is one of the largest threats to the health and safety of our local community. We encourage all community leaders in Massachusetts to contact our office at (774)-341-5778 so that we can further discuss our initiative with regards to overcoming this community epidemic.
