Forsyth County officials will study the possibility of becoming part of an expected wave of lawwsuits targeting the pharmaceutical industry over the manufacture and distribution of opioids.
The Board of Commissioners heard a presentation from Shayna Sacks with the Napoli Shkolnik law firm, who said they’re working with about 40 local governments preparing lawsuits alleging negligence and false advertising. She said the suits would target not only big pharma, but distributors, doctors and drugstore chains as well. She pegged the cost of the epidemic at $55.7 billion to governments, business and the justice system and said the suits would be aimed at recouping costs.
The local action would be filed in Forsyth County on a contingency basis. State Rep. Vernon Jones, D-Lithonia appeared before the board also and said that 46 U.S. attorneys general are also considering court action. He said the local suit would be designed to give Forsyth control on where any dollars awarded would go and that several other metro Atlanta counties are considering moving ahead with their own court cases.
Commissioners took no action after the presentation, but indicated they’ll huddle with county attorney Ken Jarrard over the matter and that Jarrard would study the law firm’s documentation.
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