Citing fraud, “gross negligence” and possible loss of life, Milam County has joined numerous other entities in suing the makers of opioids.
Opioids are a class of prescription and non-prescription drugs which litigants claim were unfairly marketed to the public to alleviate pain “based on unsound science” and “blatant misinformation.”
Milam’s lawsuit, filed April 17 in 20th District Court, does not specify an amount of damages but estimates them to be between $1 million and $50 million and seeks to have a jury determine that amount.
‘CRIMINAL’—The suit, signed by County/District Attorney, lists about a dozen pharmaceutical companies and subsidiaries as defendants.
It maintains the companies “fraudulent marketing and sales of prescription opioids” has resulted in “addiction, criminal activity and loss of life.”
It maintains currently more than 90 Americans die daily after overdosing on opioids” and cites the Texas Legislature’s finding that the situation constitutes a “public health crisis.”
It notes opioids include brand name drugs such as OcyContin and Percodan and generics including oxycodone and tramadol.
At the heart of the lawsuit is its charge that by the late 1990s or early 2000s each defendant began a marketing campaign to persuade physicians and patients that opioids were not addictive and should be used “ubiquitously and perpetually” to treat moderate non-cancer chronic pain.
The county maintains the defendants “ignored science and consumer health for profit.”
LOCAL EFFECT—The suit maintains Milam County “has spent and continues to spend large sums of money in combating the public health crisis.”
It adds: “Milam County has committed, and continue to commit, resources to provide and pay additional health care, law enforcement, social services, public assistance, pharmaceutical care and other services necessary for its residents.”
Specifically, the suit states the county has the duty and incurs the expense, to support paupers, provide county jails, provide health care in such jails, provide fire protection, enforce drug laws, commission drug education and counseling and more.
It also alleges opioid addiction has been linked to job loss, child custody situations, physical and mental health problems, homelessness and incarcerations.
“The money Milam County has spent comes directly from its taxpayers,” the document states.
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