Opioid Addiction Lawsuit

Thousands of opioid lawsuits accuse pharmaceutical companies of downplaying the risk of addiction, overdose, and death from prescription opioid medications.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting opioid addiction induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been addicted to prescription opioid medications, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

2,000+ Opioid Addiction Lawsuits Filed Nationwide

There are currently more than 2,000 opioid lawsuits pending in the federal court system. All of the lawsuits are seeking financial damages for costs associated with opioid addiction and abuse.

The lawsuits have been centralized under U.S. District Judge Dan A. Polster in the Northern District of Ohio — MDL 2804 — In RE: National Prescription Opiate Litigation.

What Do Lawsuits Claim?

Lawyers accuse pharmaceutical companies of grossly misrepresenting the risk of addiction from the long-term use of opioids by people with chronic pain.

Furthermore, drug distributors are accused of failing to properly monitor suspicious orders of those prescription drugs — all of which contributed to the current opioid epidemic.

American Epidemic: The Nation’s Struggle With Opioid Addiction

Why Are Opioids So Addictive?

Prescription opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications that work by creating artificial endorphins in the brain. These endorphins block pain and make a person feel good. Over time, the feel-good effects of opioids lessens, and pain becomes worse. The person will need to take more opioids to experience the same positive effects. This can lead to addiction.

Why is it So Hard to Quit?

Prolonged opioid use causes the brain to stop producing its own endorphins and become dependent on opioids to function. If a drug-dependent person does not take opioids, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid withdrawal can be so severe that a person is unable to stop taking opioids on their own. This can quickly spiral out of control and lead to addiction, overdose, or death.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is not the same as dependence or tolerance. Drug tolerance is a normal part of taking opioid medication for a long time. Everyone who takes opioids will become tolerant to the effects over time, but not everyone will become addicted.

Addiction is a Disease

Opioid addiction is a disease. It means that a person is unable to function normally without the drug and they will obsessively seek out more of the drug, even when they know it is damaging their relationships, work, finances, and other aspects of life.

Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction

Here are some common signs of opioid abuse, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

Unable to control opioid use
Uncontrollable cravings for opioids
Negative effects on relationships or finances
Changes in sleep habits
Weight loss
Sweating
Drowsiness
Frequent flu-like symptoms
Isolation from family or friends
Mood swings
Stealing from friends, family or businesses
Financial difficulties

Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Treatment for opioid addiction may involve an inpatient rehabilitation facility where doctors can pair support programs with prescription medication such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone. Even with treatment, recovery from opioid addiction can take many years.

List of Prescription Opioid Medications

More Information & Resources

Do I have an Opioid Addiction Lawsuit?

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