Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay the state of Oklahoma $572 million in a trial blaming drug manufacturers for the destruction brought on by prescription painkillers.
It's the first of what could be many victories for states including New York -- taking action against Big Pharma.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors claiming major pharmaceutical companies neglected to prevent the misuse of prescription opioid drugs. Several counties have joined the lawsuit.
James' office has sued several companies and the Sackler family of Purdue Pharma.
The New York state attorney general has already subpoenaed the offshore accounts of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. The attorney general's office is also asking for international support for information on those accounts.
"We're seeking damages for the cost we have incurred but also, more importantly, money to abate this problem going forward," said County Attorney John Nonna.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is also joining the fight. She said in part, "...the lawsuit undertaken by the state's Attorney General will help hold the corporations which have contributed to this crisis accountable."
News 12 reached out to Purdue Pharma for comment but has not heard back.