CHARLESTON — A trial involving opioid distributors and several West Virginia cities and counties has been postponed after Monday's decision in another opioid case.
CHARLESTON – After more than 11 months, a federal judge has ruled in favor of three drug distribution companies, saying their actions did not cause the opioid epidemic in Huntington and Cabell County.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster, who is overseeing the multidistrict litigation for the opioid crisis asking him to explain when West Virginia’s law applies in lawsuits brought by municipalities against health care providers.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey on May 25 announced to the Kanawha Circuit Court the state had reached a tentative $161.5 million settlement with opioid suppliers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, accused of causing an epidemic.
CHARLESTON – The state court trial accusing Janssen, the drug arm of Johnson & Johnson, and opioid suppliers Teva, Cephalon and Allergen of causing an epidemic in the West Virginia began Monday.
On the verge of collecting his share of $2 billion in fees from the $26 billion opioid settlement, Huntington attorney Paul T. Farrell did what a growing number of fellow trial lawyers have done: He moved to Puerto Rico.
CHARLESTON – Attorneys for Cardinal Health and McKesson presented closing arguments in hope of convincing U.S. District Judge David Faber the distribution companies should not be held liable for any part in the opioid epidemic.
CHARLESTON – After a two-week break, plaintiff attorney Paul Farrell Jr. left no stone unturned as he presented the closing argument at the landmark federal opioid trial.
CHARLESTON – While a bipartisan group of state attorneys general have announced a tentative $26 billion settlement with four drug companies over their roles in the opioid epidemic, West Virginia will not be a part of the agreement.
CHARLESTON – During the last day of testimony in the landmark opioid trial, the defense’s argument shifted to Cabell County and the City of Huntington’s ability to effectively cover treatment programs through federal government grants and that the governments should be able to continue to do so.
CHARLESTON – An economist expert claims Cardinal Health had a due diligence system in place that was followed as designed, arguing earlier experts failed to note the system in place.
CHARLESTON – Tables turned as an expert witness for Cardinal Health had his professional reputation challenged during his testimony at the bellwether federal opioid trial.
CHARLESTON – As they began arguing their case, the three drug distributor defendants in the bellwether federal trial continued to rest blame on others for fueling the opioid epidemic.
CHARLESTON – Three of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical distribution companies pushed for a trial dismissal as the plaintiffs wrapped up their case at the bellwether federal opioid trial.
CHARLESTON – Wrapping up the plaintiff's case, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams provided emotional testimony detailing his experience in handling the opioid epidemic.
CHARLESTON – An abatement expert says the total cost for such a plan for Cabell County and Huntington to deal with the opioid epidemic would be at least $2.5 billion.
CHARLESTON – Testifying in the bellwether opioid trial, a expert witness on pharmaceutical-related abatement programs said he does not believe Cabell County has sufficient treatment programs to fight the opioid epidemic.
CHARLESTON – Testifying in the bellwether federal opioid trial, Huntington's former chief of police shared the pain he felt as watching his community be taken over by addiction.
CHARLESTON – At the federal trial against three major opioid distributors, a child welfare expert showed the impact of Opioid Use Disorder on children and the rising need – and lack – of proper resources.
