One year ago, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced a lawsuit against the Sackler Family, founders of Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin.  Through the litigation and the proposed settlements Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy in September.  Those who believe they or a family member has just cause to file a claim against Purdue Pharma can do so before July 30.

This week’s guest blogger, Emily Walden, Chair at FED UP!, provides important information on how a family can join the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma. She is urging anyone to file a claim if they believe they have just cause. See her blog below to find more information.

Additionally, New Jersey Attorney General Grewal will be giving the opening remarks for our upcoming free Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Webinar this Thursday, June 11 at 3 p.m.  The webinar, titled “The Perfect Storm: The Impact of COVID-19 on Addiction,” is being held in collaboration with NJ CARES and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. It will address how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting those with substance abuse disorder. To register for the webinar, please click here. 

All the best, 
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ

FED UP!

by Emily Walden, Chairperson, FED UP!

I hope everyone is staying well and safe during these difficult times in our country!  The Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy case continues to move forward and I wanted to let you know how important it is for each of us to file a claim in this case.  If in good faith you believe that Purdue harmed yourself or a family member you should file a claim.  First and foremost, it shows the court the harm Purdue did to people throughout our country, if there are few claims filed there will not be accountability.  The Judge needs to know what they have done and this will be the last opportunity for your voice to be heard concerning Purdue Pharma. 

Bankruptcy is final concerning civil lawsuits this will be the only time you will have an opportunity to make a claim against Purdue. 

Couple of questions/comments I have received concerning filing a claim that may help:

· “My loved one was never prescribed oxycontin but was able to obtain it, do I still have a claim?”  YES - file a claim

· “I don't want anything to do with Purdue or their money!” FILE A CLAIM - this is not just about money, this is about showing the harm they did and having a voice in this process

· “My loved one started with oxycontin but later passed away from heroin.” File a claim, you still have the right to file a claim

· “My loved one is still alive and doing well now.” You did not have to lose someone to file a claim

· You do not have to have supporting documentation to file a claim, if in good faith you believe that Purdue did harm to your family you have every right to be a part of this process.  This is the time for us to unite and make sure this company is held accountable in this process.

To file a claim visit - purduepharmaclaims.com

The deadline to file a claim is now July 30.

You can also visit www.feduprally.org or www.oxyjustice.org for more information

FED UP! Coalition is a national not-for-profit organization representing dozens of organizations across the country dedicated to ending the opioid addiction crisis. The mission of FED UP! Coalition is to create one voice calling for an end to the epidemic of drug addiction and overdose deaths attributed to opioids and other prescription drugs.

Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions