June 27, 2024
Please see below for a statement from Professor Regina LaBelle, director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, regarding today’s ruling in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P.:
Today’s decision in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, Purdue’s bankruptcy case, was narrowly construed but significant for those who brought claims against the company and the Sackler family, owners of Purdue. The Sackler family won’t be shielded from future civil claims through Purdue’s bankruptcy.
The Supreme Court’s decision today should spur the Sackler family to create a fund for individual victims of the overdose epidemic. The Sackler family should begin the process today of compensating the thousands of individuals who lost loved ones to an overdose from their company’s product. There’s no need to wait — and no time to waste.
If you are interested in interviews with Regina LaBelle, please contact Heena Patel, O’Neill Institute director of strategic communications, at hp498@georgetown.edu.