SOUTH BEND — St. Joseph County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to join numerous Indiana counties and cities in a federal lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Commissioners signed off on an agreement with Indianapolis law firm Cohen & Malad to file a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, accusing them of deceptive marketing practices that have contributed to the county’s opioid problem.
To name a few, others in Indiana that have signed up with the firm for the lawsuit include Indianapolis, Bloomington, Marion County and Marshall County. The lawsuit will seek to have drug companies reimburse the county for the cost of increased public health and safety services it has provided to combat the problem, which continues to contribute to overdose-related deaths.
According to its agreement with the county, Cohen & Malad won’t be paid for its services unless a favorable judgement is made in the case.
If a settlement in favor of the county is reached with drug companies, the firm would receive either 33 percent, 40 percent or 50 percent of the settlement amount to cover attorney fees, depending on how long it takes to reach such a deal. The county would receive a portion of the remaining amount, after other legal expenses are deducted.
Commissioner Dave Thomas emphasized that the county doesn’t face a financial risk by joining the lawsuit. If the lawsuit fails, the firm won’t be paid.