Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Lawsuit

Billions in compensation may be available to victims of the opioid epidemic. Learn how you may qualify.

After years of legal battles, Purdue Pharma—the maker of OxyContin—and its owners, the Sackler family, have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement with every U.S. state and territory. This historic agreement is one of the largest ever reached in response to the nationwide opioid crisis, which has devastated millions of lives and communities.

If approved by the court, the funds will be distributed over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, public health initiatives, and community recovery efforts. Crucially, this settlement also preserves the right for victims to pursue separate civil claims against the Sacklers if they opt out of the plan.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to opioid addiction, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm is currently evaluating claims related to Purdue Pharma and other parties responsible for the opioid epidemic.

What Is the Purdue Pharma Opioid Lawsuit?

The Purdue Pharma lawsuit is a large-scale legal action accusing the company and its owners of aggressively marketing prescription opioids—especially OxyContin—while downplaying their addictive nature. Plaintiffs include individuals, families, cities, states, and even Native American tribes who argue that Purdue’s actions contributed directly to the opioid epidemic.

For years, Purdue used aggressive marketing tactics to convince doctors to prescribe opioids for chronic pain, despite mounting evidence of their risk. This strategy led to a surge in opioid prescriptions, which fueled widespread addiction, overdose, and death across the U.S.

This new $7.4 billion settlement is the latest chapter in a long and controversial legal saga. It follows a previous bankruptcy deal that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024 due to concerns about giving the Sackler family broad legal immunity.

Who Is Eligible to File an Opioid Settlement Claim Against Purdue Pharma?

If you or your loved ones have been harmed by prescription opioids—particularly OxyContin manufactured by Purdue Pharma—you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. This settlement opens the door for a wide range of individuals and entities who were directly or indirectly affected by the opioid crisis to receive financial relief and seek justice.

You may qualify to file a claim if:

• You developed an opioid addiction after being legally prescribed OxyContin or another Purdue opioid medication.
• You lost a family member to an opioid-related overdose involving OxyContin or another prescription opioid.
• You suffered financial harm due to medical bills, lost income, or long-term treatment related to opioid dependency.
• You are raising a child diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition caused by opioid exposure during pregnancy.
• You are a legal guardian or representative of someone who is now incapacitated or deceased due to opioid use.
• You are a business owner, medical provider, or municipality seeking reimbursement for financial losses linked to the opioid crisis.

This includes people who:

• Were prescribed opioids by their doctors and followed all medical advice, yet became addicted
• Struggled with long-term withdrawal, health complications, or mental health conditions as a result of opioid dependency
• Used opioids for chronic pain and found themselves physically or psychologically dependent
• Lost jobs, homes, or relationships due to opioid-related addiction or overdose
• Took OxyContin as a teenager or young adult and have since required long-term rehabilitation or therapy
• Were part of communities disproportionately affected by over-prescription and pill mills

You do not have to have a criminal record or illicit drug use history to file a claim.

Many claimants were prescribed these medications legally and responsibly—but became victims of Purdue Pharma’s deceptive marketing and distribution practices.

What Makes the Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Different from Past Opioid Lawsuits?

This $7.4 billion settlement stands out from earlier opioid-related agreements for several key reasons. Not only does it represent one of the largest financial resolutions in the history of pharmaceutical litigation, but it also introduces important legal changes that directly benefit victims and their families.

1. It Includes All 50 States and U.S. Territories

Unlike previous deals that faced legal challenges and lacked full nationwide support, this settlement has been unanimously accepted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. That level of cooperation signals a strong consensus that the terms are fair, enforceable, and in the public interest.

2. The Sackler Family Will Pay Personally

Members of the Sackler family—owners of Purdue Pharma—will contribute up to $7 billion of their personal wealth to fund the agreement. That’s a major shift from prior deals where the Sacklers sought broad legal protection while offering comparatively little financial accountability.

This settlement ensures that the individuals behind Purdue Pharma’s decisions will bear direct financial consequences for their role in the opioid crisis.

3. Victims Can Still Sue the Sacklers Individually

Perhaps the most important difference: you don’t have to give up your right to sue.
If you choose not to opt into the settlement, you may still pursue a separate civil lawsuit against the Sackler family. Earlier agreements required victims to waive their rights in exchange for payment, but this plan allows for both options.

That means survivors and families who want their day in court can still seek justice beyond financial compensation.

4. The Deal Avoids Blanket Legal Immunity

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a previous Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan in July 2024, ruling that the Sacklers could not be granted sweeping immunity from future lawsuits. This revised settlement complies with that decision and avoids giving the family a legal “free pass.”

5. Payouts Will Fund Long-Term Solutions

The funds from this settlement—$7.4 billion over 15 years—will support a range of public health initiatives, including:

• Opioid addiction treatment programs
• Overdose prevention and education
• Support for families affected by addiction
• Resources for local governments hit hardest by the crisis

This is about more than compensation—it's about helping communities rebuild and prevent future harm.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in the Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement?

Victims of the opioid epidemic may be eligible for significant financial compensation through the Purdue Pharma settlement or a separate civil lawsuit. This compensation is meant to cover the wide-ranging physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by OxyContin and other prescription opioids aggressively marketed by Purdue.

If you or your family has been impacted by opioid misuse, overdose, or addiction, you may qualify to recover damages in several key categories:

Medical Expenses

You can seek reimbursement for any healthcare costs related to opioid addiction, including:

• Emergency room visits or hospital stays
• Inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs
• Counseling or therapy
• Detox services
• Prescription medications for recovery (e.g., Suboxone, methadone)
• Ongoing mental health treatment

Funeral and Burial Costs

If you lost a loved one due to an opioid overdose, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, burial services, and associated costs. Wrongful death claims are common in these cases and can provide both financial relief and a measure of justice.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Opioid addiction often leads to long-term job loss, underemployment, or the inability to return to work. You may be compensated for:

• Time missed from work due to treatment or illness
• Loss of future earnings due to permanent disability
• Loss of income resulting from the death of a family provider

Pain and Suffering

This includes physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall toll addiction and recovery take on your well-being. The impact of opioid dependency can be lifelong, and emotional harm is a recognized category of damages.

Loss of Consortium or Companionship

Spouses and close family members may also be eligible for compensation when opioid addiction leads to the breakdown of relationships, emotional distance, or the death of a loved one.

Care for Children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

If your child was born with NAS due to prenatal opioid exposure, you may receive compensation for:

• Medical treatment
• Long-term developmental therapy
• Educational and caregiving support

Community and Organizational Losses

In some cases, municipalities, tribes, and nonprofits may qualify for compensation to recover costs related to:

• Public health services
• First responder overtime
• Social services and shelter programs
• Naloxone (Narcan) distribution

What You Can Expect

Every claim is unique, and the amount of compensation available will depend on the severity of harm, proof of opioid use or prescription, and the impact on your life or your family’s life. Our legal team can help you understand what types of damages apply to your case and how to gather the documentation needed to support your claim.

How to File a Claim in the Purdue Pharma Settlement

Filing a claim can be complex, especially with bankruptcy proceedings involved. Our firm can guide you through every step, including:

• Evaluating your eligibility based on medical records and personal circumstances
• Determining your best legal option—joining the settlement or pursuing an individual civil lawsuit
• Filing your claim accurately and on time
• Communicating with courts and trustees to secure your compensation
• Protecting your legal rights throughout the entire process

You may have a limited time to act. The bankruptcy court’s approval will trigger specific claim deadlines, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Why Choose Class Action 101?

We understand the devastating toll opioid addiction takes on individuals and families. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex pharmaceutical litigation, class action lawsuits, and personal injury claims. When you work with us, you get:

• Compassionate, personalized attention from start to finish
• Aggressive legal representation against powerful corporations and manufacturers
• Clear answers to your questions and concerns
• No fees unless we win your case

Let us help you seek the justice and financial support you deserve.

Take the First Step

If you’ve been affected by the opioid crisis, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Billions of dollars are being made available to help victims rebuild their lives, but time may be limited to file a claim.

Contact us today for a free, confidential case review. Our team will listen, advise, and help you take action.