The suit names 16 pharmaceutical companies or their affiliates, three distributors and five physicians. The county’s legal action follows similar lawsuits filed by numerous towns, counties and states across the country to recover money spent addressing the opioid epidemic.
“Nassau County is seeking damages from drug manufacturers and doctors involved in the marketing and promotion of opioids. Local governments such as the County of Nassau have spent millions of dollars in costs related to opioid addiction and abuse, including healthcare costs, criminal justice and victimization and lost productivity,” said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano in a statement.
In 2016, nearly 200 residents died of an opioid overdose in Nassau County. The number represents an all-time high, according to county officials cited by Newsday.
More articles on opioids:
HIV, hep C and opioids — 3 notes on America’s interconnected epidemics
FDA increases scrutiny on abuse-deterrent opioids: 5 things to know
Louisiana governor signs law to address opioid epidemic
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