An Associated Press article quoted Professor Richard Squire on the likelihood that a bankruptcy filing would block any pending claims against the Slacker Family, the owners of Purdue Pharma.
HOW MANY LAWSUITS ARE THE SACKLERS FACING?
At this time, more than 20 states have sued family members by name for their role in the crisis. Each suit varies slightly, but many claim the Sacklers knowingly misled the public and medical communities while draining money from the company.
If the lawsuits against the families allege criminal activity — such as fraud or actions that would deliberately hurt others — those would likely move forward regardless of the bankruptcy, said Richard Squire, a professor at the Fordham University Law School.
“The bankruptcy proceeding would likely block some claims,” he said. “The claims that include a high degree of fault — criminal activity or recklessness —may survive but they are riskier.”