FDL County Joins Opioid Class Action Lawsuit

Fond du Lac County supervisors this week gave unanimous approval to the county joining a class action lawsuit against drug manufacturers. Specifically the suit hopes to recoup some of the costs the county has incurred from the increase in services caused by the opioid epidemic. Supervisors did have questions about the lawsuit including how much time Corporation Counsel and staff would have put in to supply information for the lawsuit. County Executive Al Buechel says he hopes budget information from social services, the health department and other departments will be enough. Supervisor Ken Depperman says it was important for counties to get in on the lawsuit now before the state enters the fray. He noted when the state got a settlement from tobacco companies counties were left out in the cold. Then Governor Jim Doyle used a big chunk of the tobacco settlement to balance the State Budget.