The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati Thursday denied an effort led by Ohio Attorney General David Yost to stop a bellwether trial over the opioid crisis from starting this month in Cleveland.
A three-judge panel ruled Ohio didn't object when lawsuits filed by Summit and Cuyahogacounties were included in what has become a sprawling case involving thousands of local governments and other entities. The attempt by state attorneys general argued in August states have the sole authority to pursue claims against drug companies on behalf of their citizens. The panel says preparations are far along for the first federal opioid crisis trial, scheduled to start October 21. Yost says "we are reviewing our options."
