Everett’s Lawsuit Against Big Pharma Moving Forward

A judge’s ruling Monday was a mixed bag for the City of Everett in its lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for causing harm to the city.

Earlier this year the City of Everett sued Purdue saying it was liable for illegal drug trafficking of OxyContin by gang members and the “heroin crisis in Everett.”

The City is trying to recover “sizeable” social and economic costs, including “costs for law enforcement, prosecution, emergency medical services, prisons and jails, probation and public works, addiction treatment, detox and rehabilitation facilities, social services and housing, and prevention and education programs.”

Here’s a press release from the City of Everett updating the lawsuit…

On Monday, Sept. 25, the Honorable Ricardo S. Martinez, the Chief United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, issued his ruling on Purdue’s motion to dismiss the City’s lawsuit, which denied in part and granted in part Purdue’s motion.  The Court ruled that the majority of Everett’s claims can move forward as alleged, and the Court also granted the City an opportunity to amend its other claims.

We are very pleased that the Court has determined that the lawsuit can proceed, and we look forward to presenting our full case before the Court.  We remain committed to holding Purdue Pharma accountable for the damage they have inflicted on our community.

Everett has thirty days to file an amended complaint.   Other court dates and deadlines have not yet been scheduled.

For more information and background documents, visit our website: www.everettwa.gov/purdue. The Sept. 25 ruling is also available on our website: www.everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11904.