CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The opioid crisis has affected millions of families across the Carolinas and now Mecklenburg County leaders are thinking about joining a legal fight against the drug companies.
The county is thinking about suing drug companies and/or manufacturers over the opioid crisis, according to a source.
Earlier this month, during a closed session meeting, commissioners voted to explore this option.
Leaders in Buncombe County announced a similar lawsuit two weeks ago.
The county is going to explore a couple of different legal options but a source said the suit likely wouldn't cost anything.
Republican Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour said he is in favor of this and thinks the county should hold drug companies accountable.
“It would be a travesty for us to sit back and say, ‘Eh, we are going to sit this one out.’ I think we need to make a stand and take some sort of action,” Ridenhour said.
The process is in its early stages and county staffers are likely to make a recommendation in the coming weeks.