Broome May Sue Drug Companies

Broome County may be looking at holding pharmaceutical companies financially responsible for people who are becoming addicted to opioids, many of them dying in the region.

National law firm, Hanly Conroy is negotiating a contract with the County to sue the drug makers for marketing addictive products and is currently representing Suffolk County in similar action.

If there is a settlement, Broome County plans to use the money toward treatment and education.

County officials said going after the drug companies makes sense since prescription drugs that are heavily marketed, often lead to addiction to cheaper heroin.

County lawyers are looking at the validity of the possible move.