Wilmington leaders approve seeking legal action if drug distributors are found liable of opioid epidemic

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Wilmington city council joins New Hanover County leaders to see if they can sue drug distributors. They’ll do that as an effort to reduce the ongoing overdose rates in the area.

It was a promise city and county leaders made exactly one week ago. Leaders made claims such as, “Wilmington is ground zero” of the opioid overdose epidemic and cited numbers that  opioid abuse is the leading cause of death for people under 50. Those coming from several studies and reports. They will see if joining a nationwide effort from local government can hold drug distributing companies accountable if they are found liable for profiting on the drug crisis.

“I think where we are now along side some of these other hard hit areas that are doing something similar is that what is the source of the problem,” said city spokeswoman Malissa Talbert.”And how can we address it before it gets to the local level?”

The city says they will join more than eighty other localities from nine other states that are going on similar legal routes. All of this city personnel say without tax money footing the bill.

“This contract that they’re acting on tonight states very clearly, there is no cost to the city period,” said Talbert.

That contract will be with the national-based Baron and Budd law firm. The city says the firm will take the case and if no suit is possible nor settlement – the city will not spend public dollars.

“It also shows our community that our leaders are looking out for us.”

Coastal Horizons Clinical Director Kenny House is not sure a lawsuit will be grand solution. As a part of center that treats those who are battling painkiller or heroin addiction, he backs the council’s move.

“I think if we can successfully hold people accountable we should,” said House. “We’ve seen that in the past with the tobacco industry. So this is not unprecedented to hold a private industry accountable.”

Talbert tells us what is next with council approving the resolution is not clear. What is expected is for them to have investigators with Baron and Budd look into the route of distribution around the city and county and see if major distributors played a role.