Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards have agreed to coordinate efforts to bring litigation against opioid manufacturers, who they feel are responsible for the epidemic that’s claiming hundreds lives every year. The A-G’s Chief Deputy Bill Stiles says the state seeks damages for costs incurred within the Medicaid program.
Stiles hopes to expand the scope of the lawsuit into all state services effected, including corrections and family services.
Stiles says the suit is in the interest of all Louisianans, as the opioid epidemic is a problem that cuts across racial and class lines.
Stiles is optimistic that the suit will be successful in attacking the root of the epidemic, and help the state recoup the heavy cost of opioid addiction.
The lawsuit is the result of an 18 month multi state investigation involving 42 other attorney generals.