Oklahoma's unusual use of nuisance law to win it's landmark suit against Johnson & Johnson could spur other states to amend their opioid cases to include the statute.
Judge Thad Balkman speaks during discussions about Oklahoma's trial against drugmakers blamed for contributing to the opioid crisis, June 10, 2019.on Monday could spur some states to amend their cases against opioid manufacturers and distributors to include the century-old statute.
The Oklahoma attorney general office's use of public nuisance was seen as an unusual strategy by legal analysts and J&J. The law is often used in cases that interfere with the use of public property, such as the pollution of a river, possession of diseased animals or loud and irritating noises. Legal scholars say the law has recently been used to sue paintmakers over lead paint.
Lawyers for J&J, who intend to appeal the decision, say the judge's interpretation of the law is a "a radical departure from more than a century of case law in this state." Carl Tobias, a professor of law at the University of Richmond in Virginia, said it's possible some states with similar opioid cases could include the law in their arguments. "It has such a broad statue," he said. "I think it's going to have an affect."
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oklahoma judge to rule in $17 billion opioid lawsuit against J&JAn Oklahoma judge on Monday will decide whether Johnson & Johnson should be held...
Read more »
Factbox: Oklahoma judge finds J&J liable in first trial over opioidsAn Oklahoma judge on Monday ruled that Johnson & Johnson was liable for its part...
Read more »
Watch: Oklahoma judge to issue landmark verdict in Johnson & Johnson $17 billion opioid trialJ&J, which marketed the opioid painkillers Duragesic and Nucynta, has denied any wrongdoing.
Read more »
Oklahoma wins case against drugmaker in historic opioid trialIn a landmark decision, an Oklahoma judge on Monday ruled in favor of the state, ordering pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson to pay for playing a role in the state's opioid crisis.
Read more »
Oklahoma judge finds J&J liable in opioid epidemic, orders $572 million damagesAn Oklahoma judge orders Johnson & Johnson to pay $572 million after ruling the drugmaker liable for fueling an opioid epidemic in the state by deceptively marketing painkillers
Read more »
J&J liable for $572 million in Oklahoma opioid epidemic trial, but shares surgeOklahoma judge finds Johnson & Johnson liable in opioid epidemic, ordering $572 million damages
Read more »