Franklin County sues national drug makers over opioid crisis

PASCO – Franklin County has joined a list of government agencies throughout the country filing lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors for creating what they describe as “the worst man-made epidemic in modern medical history.”

The Tri-City Herald reported a lawsuit filed this week in federal court names Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson and other companies as defendants.

The lawsuit says the county has spent substantial sums in the past and will continue to spend substantial sums to address the epidemic.

Spokane County Commissioners recently voted to also pursue a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers.

Franklin County’s 131-page complaint says public health, criminal justice and social welfare services are burdened by the consequences of the crisis.

The suit is linked to an ongoing expansive lawsuit in the Northern District of Ohio.

The drug companies have disputed the allegations.