Brent Moss Joins Others in Arkansas Opioid Lawsuit (2017)

Opioid Crisis in Arkansas (2017)

In 2017, Arkansas had a high rate of opioid prescriptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 114.6 prescriptions per 100 people. This was the second-highest rate in the U.S. and showed the severity of the opioid problem.

Holding Companies Accountable

The lawsuit aimed to hold the companies responsible. It sought punitive damages. It also wanted the court to declare the companies’ marketing practices illegal.

Similar to Big Tobacco

The lawsuit compared the companies to the tobacco industry. It claimed they downplayed the risks of addiction. They also exaggerated the benefits of opioids. This led to over-prescription and a public health emergency in Arkansas.

Brent Moss and Other Lawyers

Thirteen companies were named as defendants. These included Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma, and others. Attorney Brent Moss, along with North Little Rock attorneys John Wilkerson and Mark Hayes, filed suit on the group’s behalf.

More Lawsuits Across the U.S.

This lawsuit was one of many filed in 2017. Cities like Chicago and Seattle also took legal action. They sought justice for the harm caused by the opioid epidemic.

Impact of the Lawsuit

The 2017 lawsuit was a turning point. It helped hold the opioid industry accountable. It also led to increased regulation of these powerful drugs.

Explore the other media coverage about this case: ABC KATV 7.