The History

Purdue Pharma’s aggressive marketing of OxyContin is often cited as a catalyst of a nationwide opioid epidemic. Oxycontin is a powerful prescription painkiller that hit the market in 1996. The company pleaded guilty to misbranding the drug in 2007 and paid more than $600 million in fines and penalties. Opioid-related overdose deaths have continued to climb, hitting 80,000 in recent years partly because of Oxycontin’s presence. The Purdue Pharma settlement would be among the largest and is one of only two with provisions for direct compensation to victims.

The Settlement Plan

The Sackler family agreed to give up ownership of Purdue Pharma and contribute up to $6 billion to fight the opioid crisis. However, members of the family would be exempt from any civil lawsuits in exchange for this agreement. At the same time, they could potentially keep billions of dollars from their profits on OxyContin sales.

Difficulties with the Plan

In 2021, a federal trial court judge ruled the settlement should not be allowed. This year, a federal appeals panel ruled in a unanimous decision opposing the ruling; however, one judge still expressed major concerns about the deal. The Supreme Court quickly agreed to take the case, at the urging of the administration of President Joe Biden.

The Family

In the fallout, parts of the Sackler family story has been told in multiple books and documentaries and in fictionalized series. Additionally, museums and universities around the world have removed the family’s name from galleries and buildings. Members of the family have remained mostly out of the public eye, stepping off the board of their company and refusing payouts. However, in the decade before that, they were paid more than $10 billion, about half of which they said went to pay taxes. This settlement, when it officially comes down, will surely shake up the world of big Pharma.

OUR team

We prefer doing to talking (except in court), We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.

After reviewing your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages, we can help you understand what your case is worth and plan a road map going forward.
After reviewing your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages, we can help you understand what your case is worth and plan a road map going forward.

$1.056 billion verdict against Exxon Mobil

If you think you may have a claim and need legal help to hold those parties responsible for damage that they have caused, contact an attorney from our firm.

Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.

stagliuzza.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Nothing on this site should be taken to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.

Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.