Newtown Twp Considering Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Newtown Township will consider filing a lawsuit against drug makers who produce opioid medications during a meeting Wednesday.

The agenda includes an item that would permit township legal representation to file the suit against manufacturers and distributors of synthetic opioid medications.

If the township goes forward with such a suit, it would join Bucks County in doing so. Last May, Bucks County filed a lawsuit against major manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids in an attempt to stop the flood of addictive medications into the community, and recoup costs associated with the crisis.

In a 159-page civil complaint, Bucks County is seeking an undetermined amount of compensatory and punitive damages from 17 corporate defendants and one individual the county says is responsible for the opioid epidemic locally and across the nation.

There were 232 overdose fatalities in Bucks County in 2017 — an 89 percent increase over 2015.

Specific details on the proposed suit in Newtown were not released, however, Supervisor John Mack has said he believes opioid-producing drug companies should fund local and national efforts to combat addiction.

Wednesday's meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building. The full agenda can be found here.

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