CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is not convinced signing a $7 billion bankruptcy plan involving Purdue Pharma is the best move for the state at this time, arguing he wants to best deal possible that reflects the significance of the opioid crisis’ effects in West Virginia.
A federal bankruptcy judge approved the proposal, in which members of the Sackler family will pay nearly $4.3 billion to local, state and tribal governments.
Morrisey said Tuesday his office is focused on maximizing the overall settlement amount and what West Virginia could receive.
“No amount of money can wipe away the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic in West Virginia,” he told MetroNews. “Having said that, we have to make sure that we are maximizing what is coming back into the state to address the harms that were caused by so many people.”
Morrisey said Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family need to be held accountable for their actions, adding the state does not have original jurisdiction to file criminal charges.
“I can tell you that we’re working hard to make sure that West Virginia is not just going to get some settlement based on population,” he said. “It needs to reflect the severity of the harm that was created in our state, and I am hopeful that we will make progress.”
Morrisey’s office filed suit against Purdue Pharma and former chief executive Richard Sackler in May 2019, in which the state alleges the company pushed false claims that opioids are not addictive.