OPIOID CASE SETTLED – CITY TO RECEIVE SETTLEMENT MONEY

Since 2017, the City of New Albany has been actively engaged in pursuing damages caused by the manufacture, prescription sale, and distribution of opioids through outside counsel in multi-district litigation. The opioid crisis has had a devastating effect on the people of Indiana, and none more-so than those who reside in Floyd County.

In a six-year period, 47,106,936 prescription pain pills entered our community. That equates to 91.6 pills per person per year in Floyd County. In 2016 alone, prescription rates for opioids were at a horrendous 132 prescriptions per 100 residents. Now, years later, recent legislation amending Indiana code and signed into law has determined a weak, but solitary course for all who seek damages associated with the aforementioned parties and crimes.

Today, at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the board agreed to opt into the State of Indiana’s settlement that won against key opioid distributors. The City of New Albany is expected to receive about $250,000 from the settlement.

“New Albany and Floyd County families have suffered great losses at the hands of these villains,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I believe this settlement is better than nothing, but our fight with addictive substances and their producers will continue as we seek new measures to contain the devastation brought by corporate sponsored addiction.”