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Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, has recently filed bankruptcy as part of a tentative settlement with 24 state attorneys general, spurred by the company’s involvement in the opioid epidemic. This settlement is not enough for Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, however, who feels that Purdue’s offer is “a slap in the face to everyone who has had to bury a loved one due to this family’s destruction and greed.”
To continue the fight for justice, Shapiro has filed suit against the Sackler family directly. Although the Sacklers are relinquishing ownership of Purdue Pharma, the family profited from the lucrative company during the height of the opioid crisis, and, according to Shapiro:
“Certain members of the Sackler family are personally liable for the devastation of the opioid crisis because they directed, controlled, and participated in this deadly campaign of deception.”
As Shapiro’s suit gears up, attorneys like Robert N. Peirce Jr. pursue financial damages on behalf of at least 8 counties across Pennsylvania. Representing Beaver County, Mr. Peirce affirms:
“It’s about time that they admitted responsibility for their role in bringing about this crisis, and this problem.”
All lawsuits seek support for cities, counties, and communities affected by the nationwide opioid epidemic. Southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the regions most impacted by the crisis, and attorneys are fighting to hold the Sackler family accountable and give back to residents directly.
As part of their tentative settlement, the Sacklers will pay $3 billion to plaintiffs. After selling their other company, Mundipharma, the Sacklers will pay another $1.5 billion. All future proceeds from OxyContin will go directly to the Plaintiffs. Purdue Pharma values the settlement at approximately $10 billion, but many states are not satisfied and, like Shapiro, are looking into the family’s fortune.
According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, almost $1 billion has already been wired from Purdue Pharma to Swiss Bank accounts – an obvious attempt to protect the Sackler family’s wealth from litigation.
In 2017, Southwestern Pennsylvania suffered 1,427 drug overdose deaths. Last year, 862 people lost their lives to the opioid epidemic.
If you have been affected, Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. is actively working to help. Call (844) 383-0565 to learn more about the class action suit. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for a free consultation.