Purdue Settles With Oklahoma, What's Next?

Thousands of lawsuits have been launched against Purdue, with various states taking legal action over the opioid crisis and blaming Purdue for wrongfully downplaying the addictive nature of their products like OxyContin, among other concerns.

Recently, they've settled one of those lawsuits for over $200 million, and as a part of the settlement deal they've also agreed to fund a center that will focus on studying addiction.

That settlement agreement has been with the state of Oklahoma and will resolve all of the state's claims that have been made against the company. At least $100 million or more will go towards the creation of the new center at Oklahoma State University. As well, the family behind Purdue, the Sackler family, have also pledged to continue funding it with millions of dollars over at least the next 5 years.

They've also indicated that the recent settlement with Oklahoma isn't a model for future financial settlements that might revolve around similar claims. But Oklahoma isn't the only state that's looking for justice on the matter, Purdue has also been sued by New York, and others.

The Sackler family is estimated to be worth $13 billion and they've donated millions of dollars toward education and the arts. However, some museums have started to refuse their donations and various institutions have made moves to allegedly end their relationship with the family; they've been refusing their donations. Those different venues now reportedly don't want to be associated with receiving donations from a group with such a controversial legacy.

According to the recently filed lawsuit by New York,..

The Sacklers are accused of having known full well the addictive nature of the product, the potential risk for abuse etc, and they're accused of being actively involved in marketing their products like Oxy, in a way that would minimize the real risks, while overstating the benefits.

There is still the potential for Purdue Pharma to file for bankruptcy as well, which would greatly reduce the potential and speed for victims to pursue damages against the company. Oklahoma's AG reportedly considered this and thought it best to try and get what they could while they could with their lawsuit.

Lawyers involved with the case have admitted that the recent settlement with OK is a reflection of the importance and strength of the claims that are being made.

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