Supreme Court Rejects Liability Shield at Center of Purdue Pharma Settlement
The Supreme Court rejected a provision shielding the Sackler family in the Purdue Pharma settlement, impacting a $6 billion contribution to address the opioid crisis. The ruling challenges liability immunity in bankruptcy agreements.
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The Supreme Court rejected a provision in the Purdue Pharma settlement that aimed to shield the Sackler family from civil claims related to the opioid epidemic. The decision jeopardizes a bankruptcy plan that would have directed billions of dollars towards addressing the crisis in exchange for protecting the Sacklers. The 5-4 ruling stated that the federal bankruptcy code does not permit a liability shield for third parties in bankruptcy agreements. This decision could impact other bankruptcy settlements involving mass injury claims. The Sacklers, known for their ties to Purdue Pharma and the OxyContin painkiller, had faced criticism for seeking immunity from liability in opioid-related lawsuits. The rejected deal would have required the Sacklers to contribute up to $6 billion over 18 years to address the crisis. The ruling underscores the challenge of balancing financial compensation for victims while holding accountable those involved in fueling the opioid epidemic.
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