Purdue’s Opioid Payouts Pit Individuals Against Cities, States

Fearing a repeat of the squandered Big Tobacco settlements, a wave of individuals is expected to join the Purdue Pharma LP bankruptcy to claim money for treatment and care, which could shrink payouts to cities, counties, and states.

The root of the anticipated increase in individual claims: The OxyContin manufacturer is spending a staggering $24 million on a nationwide ad blitz—with exposure everywhere from Facebook to music streaming application Spotify and major television broadcasters—to notify Americans that they may be eligible to bring a claim against the company. The campaign is expected to reach at least 95% of U.S. adults ...