Second phase of massive opioid lawsuit announced; case is ‘bellwether’ for thousands of similar cases nationwide, says CWRU law professor Andrew Pollis

The massive multidistrict litigation over the nation’s opioid crisis recently reached its conclusion with a $260 million settlement with drug manufacturers. Now, the second phase— focusing on the pharmacy industry’s role in the opioid epidemic—is slated to begin.

“This is an important and complex case because there are two Ohio counties serving as a bellwether for more than 2,000 similar cases nationwide,” said Andrew Pollis, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law.

U.S. District Judge Dan Polster recently announced that the federal court case will begin in November. However the case may be settled before then, Pollis said. Defendants in the case include CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart. The complaint alleges that pharmacies were aware of—but failed to act—on over-prescribing and over-ordering.

Prof. Pollis is a national expert on opioid litigation. Here are some of the stories featuring his comments in media outlets nationwide: 

• Politico: Nation’s first opioid trial begins, testing how much pharma will be held responsible for crisis
• NBC: Opioid firms kept donating to state AGs while negotiating settlements
• New York Times: Johnson & Johnson’s Brand Falters Over Its Role in the Opioid Crisis
• NPR: Opioid Case With 2 Ohio Counties As Plaintiffs Set To Go To Trial Next Week
• CBS: Drugmakers’ liability for opioid crisis could reach $150 billion
• Bloomberg: Secrecy in National Opioid Trial Draws Scrutiny and Concern
• Economist: Johnson & Johnson stands trial for the opioid crisis 

Interviews can be arranged at an on-campus television studio (transmission via VYVX HD loop), by digital tape sync for audio, in-person or by phone.

Please contact Colin McEwen at CWRU media relations, at 216-368-4442 or [email protected] 

Original post https://alertarticles.info