Luzerne County To Proceed With Suit Against Opioid Manufacturers And Wholesale Distributors

Luzerne County will initiate litigation against prescription opioid manufacturers and wholesale distributors attempting to make them pay for the drug epidemic’s drain on county finances and resources, a council majority decided Tuesday. County Manager C. David Pedri, who sought the action, agreed to council members’ insistence that they vote on the selection of a law firm recommended by the administration. The chosen firm must handle the suit on a contingency basis, which means the county would pay litigation expenses only if funds are recovered. Pedri said he already has discussed the potential engagement with six national law firms and will continue researching others.