The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its Nov. 7 regular meeting to retain two law firms for the purpose of possibly recouping money spent by the county to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis.
The board passed a resolution authorizing the employment of the New York firm of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC as well as the Atlanta firm of Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler LLP “to represent Henry County in certain litigation matters regarding expenses incurred by the county relative to the opioid epidemic,” according to a staff document.
The county is taking the position that in the past 20 years opioid manufacturers, distributors and some physicians have understated the addictive nature of these drugs and overprescribed them, leading to overdoses and addictions as well as criminal problems resulting from their use. County officials hope to eventually recoup some of the expenses, and the two firms retained in this action are recognized across the country for their efforts in product liability cases.
The firms will represent the county on contingency fees and no expense will be borne by taxpayers, according to a county attorney.
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