Everett’s lawsuit against maker of OxyContin can proceed

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 26, 2017

EVERETT — The city’s lawsuit against the maker of OxyContin can proceed in federal court, a judge ruled Monday.

Purdue Pharma had asked the judge to throw out the lawsuit, saying the company could not be held responsible for local impacts of opioid addiction. The judge rejected most of Purdue’s arguments.

U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez also set limits on some of the city’s claims, including allegations that the company created a public nuisance. The city has 30 days to file an amended complaint.

“We look forward to presenting our full case before the court,” city spokeswoman Meghan Pembroke said Tuesday. “We remain committed to holding Purdue Pharma accountable for the damage they have inflicted on our community.”

The judge also denied the company’s allegations that the statute of limitations had passed.