Business
County could get about $3.5 million from opioid lawsuits
La Crosse County could see around $3.5 million from a nationwide class-action lawsuit against companies that have made or sold opioid medicines.
The county’s executive committee endorsed a proposed settlement Wednesday against companies such as Johnson and Johnson, for the increase in opioid addiction experienced around the U.S.
County corporation counsel Megan Devore said Wisconsin’s share of the settlement could be substantial — $3.5 million, after attorney fees and other expenses — from the $420 million Wisconsin will get in the proposed settlement.
The committee approved a resolution calling for all of the money received by the county to be spent on opioid abatement, such as programs to help fight drug addiction.
Almost every Wisconsin county and 16 cities joined in the class-action suit.
Devore said the county needs to approve the settlement by New Year’s Day.