DeWine: State, local governments close to unifying in opioid lawsuits

Ohio’s local governments are moving toward joining the state in jointly negotiating settlements of lawsuits filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors (Source: “DeWine: State, locals unifying to negotiate opioid settlements,” Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 23, 2019).

“There’s a growing consensus that if we present a united front, we can maximize the (settlement) money and put us in a much better bargaining position,” Gov. Mike DeWine told the Columbus Dispatch.

DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost met for more than three hours Wednesday at the Governor’s Residence in Bexley with about 100 lawyers and elected officials representing cities and counties seeking damages stemming from the opioid crisis born in the proliferation of prescription painkillers. Another meeting is scheduled for next week.