Loxley seeks to join lawsuit against opioid manufacturer

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LOXLEY, Alabama — The town of Loxley is seeking to join other government entities in the fight against opioids.

Following the council’s regularly scheduled work session on Monday, July 27, the council passed a resolution in a special called meeting to enter into a limited attorney retainer contract with Montgomery Ponder.

Under the terms of the contract, the town will join a lawsuit filed by the Birmingham-based law firm against Purdue Pharma L.P., makers of the opioid OxyContin.

According to the website purduepharmaclaims.com, Purdue Pharma L.P., a U.S. limited partnership, along with its subsidiaries, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 15 and 16, 2019.

According to the website, anyone who believes they have been injured by Purdue or Purdue prescription opioids, like OxyContin, can file a claim for compensation. The deadline to file a claim was extended until July 30.

According to the resolution, thousands of lawsuits have been filed by counties, cities, states, tribes, hospitals, schools and other entities and the town of Loxley believes it has possible damages and losses related to the opioid epidemic.

In 2018, the Baldwin County Commission and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office announced plans to file lawsuits against the opioid industry.

Officials said the city of Bay Minette is also part of the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma.

“There is no guarantee that the town will receive any compensation from this,” said attorney Laura Coker with Stone Crosby PC, the firm that represents the town in legal matters.

According to the contract, the town agrees to pay 33 1/3 percent of the gross recovery on all claims and recoveries. There is no fee unless money is recovered.

In other business July 27, the council:

•Voted to purchase property on County Road 49 in Loxley at a cost of $48,100.

•Renewed an ad in the 2020 Robertsdale High School Football Program at a cost of $250.

•Discussed improvements to the old Loxley Community Center.

During the work session the council discussed:

•A resolution appointing election officers for the upcoming municipal election.

•Presenting statements that only one candidate filed a statement of candidacy for the office of mayor and council places 1, 2, 3 and 5. The town will hold a municipal election on Aug. 25 with Place 4 incumbent Chris McCall running against three opponents, Beth Lovell, Randy Smith and Philip Dembowski.

•A resolution adopting a transportation plan for the Rebuild Alabama Act.