Waukesha County Sues Drug Companies Over Opioid Abuse

WAUKESHA, WI — Waukesha County has filed a federal lawsuit against drug manufacturers and distributors, according to a press release from the county. The suit's purpose is to recover costs "associated with the opioid crisis," the release says.

“The opioid epidemic takes a toll on our communities and our justice system,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “Local government has been forced to respond by dedicating resources to drug prevention and treatment. Waukesha County is using every tool necessary to stop the crisis, which includes holding those responsible for it accountable.”

National law firm Baron & Budd, P.C. is running the group of six firms, all part of a consortium of firms representing public entities in their battle against the drug industry.

Waukesha County is far from the first governmental entity to sue drug makers over the opioid crisis:

• Opioid Epidemic: New Lawsuit Filed Against Drug Manufacturers
• Malvern Drug Manufacturer Named In Philadelphia Opioid Lawsuit
• North Wales' Teva Pharmaceuticals Sued Over Opioid Epidemic
• NYC Opioid Crisis Is Fueled By Big Drug Firms, Lawsuit Says
• Anne Arundel First MD County To Sue Doctors, Opioid Makers

“The opioid crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing our community today,” said Waukesha County Board Chairman Paul Decker. “The Board of Supervisors gave local government the tools to address the crisis on a new front by passing the resolution that allowed us to file this lawsuit.”

Waukesha County said 63 percent of drug overdose deaths involve prescription opioids.

The press release said Waukesha County's plan to battle the opioid epidemic includes:

• Scanning the county to identify risk and protective factors for all county residents
• Offering free trainings open to all county residents on the administration of naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose
• Distributing free kits containing naloxone to county residents who express interest
• Opiate overdose prevention education sessions in the county
• Reaching out to opioid users who have experienced an overdose and providing support through the county crisis system

Article image Kimberly Boyles via Shutterstock