Snohomish County sues opioid manufacturer, distributors

EVERETT — Snohomish County filed a lawsuit Monday against corporations that make and distribute prescription opioids, joining a long list of governments seeking damages for the toll that OxyContin and similar drugs have taken on society.

The County Council voted unanimously to authorize a lawsuit to be filed in Snohomish County Superior Court. The suit named drugmaker Purdue Pharma and distributor McKesson Corporation, among other defendants.

The county also is seeking damages from a few doctors, clinics and pharmacies involved locally with prescribing and selling narcotics. The county hopes to prove that they recklessly ignored criminal activity and pursued corporate interests over the well-being of the community.

“We see the suffering caused by opioid addiction in our criminal justice system, our neighborhoods and our schools,” Prosecuting Attorney Adam Cornell said. “By filing this civil lawsuit, we are trying to force these companies to take responsibility for their reckless actions. That is the surest path for protecting our community and others like us.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-could-sue-opioid-manufacturer/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=d6ad37dc77-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-d6ad37dc77-228635337