News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The State Attorney General’s office has withdrawn a motion to intervene with an opioid lawsuit filed by the 13th Judicial District.
The state withdrew its motion in Putnam County Court Friday morning, meaning the District Attorneys General lawsuit can now move forward in state court.
District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway said by filing in state court the monies and damages received will come to local communities.
“At the end of the day, if successful, the monies and damages that are received will come to our local communities and not the Tennessee general fund or other entities,” Dunaway said. “Our goal is to stop the false marketing and recoup damages for our communities that have to pay the high price for the opioid problem.”
Other lawsuits around the country have been filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors in federal court, but Dunaway believes the cases will move more quickly and have more success at the state level.
State Attorney General Herbert Slatery believed that only his office could pursue a lawsuit against the opioid manufactures.
Last year, Fourteen state district attorneys general representing 47 counties in Middle and East Tennessee filed suit under the Tennessee Drug Dealer’s Liability Act against opiate makers and distributors.
The law provides a civil remedy for damages to persons in a community injured as a result of illegal drug use.
“I’m pleased that we are no longer at odds on any legal issues with the Attorney General and going forward we are going to be cooperating with each other,” Dunaway said.
