Since 2017, after the U.S. government declared opioid addiction a public health crisis, the courts have experienced a flood of opioid litigation cases. Opioid usage throughout America has rapidly increased and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that opioids account for 68% all drug overdose deaths. As a result, attorneys and organizations are facing discovery challenges, which are distinct to these type of cases. Important tasks, like learning the new lingo around opioids to navigating massive data sets, can be overwhelming.

Becoming familiar with the roots of these cases and the opioid crisis in general should be the first priority in addressing litigation. Research about the opioid products that targeted organizations sell, how they reach the public, data about resulting harm and overdose/abuse trends, marketing strategies, and potential theories of liability against opioid manufacturers are all critical components to navigating complex opioid cases. By having a strong grasp on these core aspects, attorneys can create strategies for settlement negotiations, discovery, and trial.