On October 1, 2019, Johnson & Johnson announced it had reached a $20.4 million settlement with two counties in Ohio as part of the ongoing opioid crisis in America. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by communities and states reportedly accusing the manufacturers of opioids and other prescription painkillers of contributing to the national epidemic.
The opioid epidemic in the United States has been linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths over the past two decades. Since 2013, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids has dramatically increased as the use of illicitly-manufactured fentanyl has skyrocketed.
If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of using a prescription opioid, contact Attorney Group today. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim and recover compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.
We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Settlement Announced Weeks Ahead of First Federal Opioid Trial
The settlement with Johnson & Johnson comes as the first federal trial in the opioid crisis is set to begin in Cleveland in late October. Although the legal agreement allows Johnson & Johnson to avoid admitting liability, the company still faces hundreds of other opioid lawsuits for their alleged aggressive marketing tactics that may have led to a serious national drug crisis.
One of the most recognized brand names in America, Johnson & Johnson manufactures and distributes products ranging from consumer health care products to medical devices. In addition, the company runs Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceuticals division responsible for the manufacture of fentanyl patch Duragesic and another narcotic known as Nucynta. While Johnson & Johnson sold Nucynta in 2015, the company still makes Duragesic.
In addition to Ohio, other states have been particularly hit hard, including Oklahoma where a judge ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $572 million for their contribution to the state’s opioid problem. Four other settlements have been reached by other pharmaceutical companies in the months leading up to the Johnson & Johnson settlement as well.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by opioids and other types of prescription painkillers may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us for More Information.
If you or your loved one has been injured by a prescription opioid or painkiller, contact Attorney Group to learn about your options.
We offer free, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
