EVERETT — The city of Everett has revised its lawsuit against the maker of OxyContin after a federal judge set limits on the allegations that could be pursued.
The amended complaint was filed Oct. 25. On Friday, additional paperwork was filed seeking a trial date in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
In September, the painkiller company, Purdue Pharma, tried to persuade a judge to toss the lawsuit.
The city alleges that Purdue failed to prevent diversion of its products into the black market, fueling problems related to opioid addiction. It accuses Purdue of supplying the drug to “obviously suspicious physicians and pharmacies.”
The city is seeking damages to pay for social services, such as drug treatment and housing initiatives. The amount sought was not disclosed.
“Everett has spent, and will need to continue to spend, significant amounts of taxpayer dollars combating OxyContin abuse and addiction,” according to the complaint.
The state of Washington and the cities of Seattle and Tacoma also have filed litigation against Purdue.
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