New Hanover County suing drug manufacturers, distributors over opioid epidemic

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County has become the first in our area to file a federal lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court, makes good on the resolutions the New Hanover County Commission and Wilmington City Council adopted that allows them to take legal action to fight the crisis.

Commissioner Woody White speaking about the opioid epidemic and how the partnership will help combat the crisis on November 1, 2017. (Photo: Basil John/WWAY)

The suit discusses the current opioid crisis in the state of North Carolina and New Hanover County. The suit states that in 2016, New Hanover County experienced 64 opiate related drug deaths representing a 1,500-percent increase from opioid related deaths in 1999. In 2015, it was estimated that 114 opioid prescriptions were dispensed per 100 New Hanover County residents.

The suit also states unintentional fatal drug overdoses cost North Carolinians $1.3 billion in 2015. North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services estimates opioid related drug deaths cost $2.1 billion in 2016.

The suit claims manufacturers used false, deceptive and unfair marketing about opioids and misrepresented the risks and benefits of opioids.

New Hanover County is suing the defendants for creating a public nuisance, violating the RICO act (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act), negligence and negligent misrepresentation, deceptive trade practices, civil conspiracy, fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation.

The lawsuit asks for compensation for past and future costs to abate the public nuisance caused by the opioid epidemic, damages to cover medical, therapeutic care, counseling and rehab and other services for those battling an opioid addiction, as well as other unspecified damages.