Counties Move Forward with Suits against Drug Companies

EAST TEXAS — Several East Texas counties are moving forward with lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The Smith County Commissioners Court has hired two law firms to pursue such litigation. Upshur County has already become the first in the state to file such a lawsuit, demanding financial help to deal with the cost of treating addicts in the county’s jail and indigent health program. An attorney representing Upshur County says drug companies share some responsibility for pushing their products. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Rusk County has also agreed to join the litigation. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states, and other counties in Texas are expected to do likewise.