It’s estimated that the number of opioid prescriptions across America have risen by 400 percent since 1999. This begs the question – are more Americans dealing with chronic pain, or is something else going on?
Pharmaceutical companies are always looking to fatten their bottom lines, and in our country, this is often done in an unethical, callous, and deceptive manner. These companies have been known to aggressively market their drugs to doctors willing to provide opioid prescriptions to people who might not even need them in the first place, or need them in such large quantities.
The opioid epidemic in America is the result of aggressive marketing as well as the misrepresentation of the efficacy and safety of long-term opioid use by pharmaceutical companies. This includes opioids such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxymorphone (Opana), codeine, morphine, and fentanyl.
The opioid crisis has now become a national health emergency, and the Federal Government is pushing for stringent laws to stem this worrying trend, as well as looking to punish those who unscrupulously look to profit from drug sales at the expense of the community at large.
Because legislation is an inherently slow-moving process (and does not address compensating communities for the financial losses already sufferred), many cities, counties, states are taking a stand by holding these drug companies and doctors liable for their actions under civil law. Whole communities across the country are now taking pharmaceutical companies and drug-peddling doctors to court to answer for their actions. In essence, these local government entities are seeking to recover the millions of dollars they spend on services directly caused by the opioid epidemic (e.g., extra money spent on law enforcement, health services, social services, and criminal justice).
If your community has been negatively affected by opioid addiction and unscrupulous doctors who operate as pill mills, call 1-800-ATTORNEY today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are happy to discuss the legal options available to local governments, as well as answer any questions you may have in regard to community opioid litigation. Consultations are free, and cases are solely handled on contingency. Under no circumstances will you ever owe a penny in attorneys fees unless and until we win your case and recover compensation.
How The Opioid Epidemic Affects Communities
Opioid addiction affects entire communities in many ways. Not only does it cost local governments millions of dollars in healthcare costs, social services, law enforcement expenses, and rehabilitation costs, it can even result in lost revenue opportunities for the city. It’s estimated by the CDC that opioid abuse adds up to an economic loss of over $78.4 billion every year.
As such, it is important for cities, counties, and states affected by this epidemic to take a stand. Your community should not be forced to suffer financially for the actions and negligence of these companies, and our attorneys are here to help these govermnent entities understand their rights and seek the compensation they deserve. It is time to hold opioid manufacturers and pill mills accountable for their actions!
If your community has suffered from financial damages as a result of rampant opioid abuse, please call us today at 1-800-ATTORNEY for more information on how we can help. The call is confidential, and we’re happy to help answer any questions you may have.