Associated Press Published

Two W.Va. Agencies Join Lawsuit Against Drug Company

morrisey.jpg

Two West Virginia agencies are joining a lawsuit against an Ohio drug company, alleging its negligent practices have helped fuel the state’s pain pill abuse epidemic.
 
     The Department of Health and Human Resources and the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety recently signed on as plaintiffs in the attorney general’s lawsuit against Cardinal Health.
 
     West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey recused himself in August from the lawsuit filed by the office because his wife lobbies for the company in Washington, D.C.
 
     The suit was filed during former Attorney General Darrell McGraw’s last term. Morrisey defeated McGraw in the 2012 general election.
 
     The Charleston Gazette reports that outside lawyers handling the case will now report to the heads of the other departments and their agencies’ attorneys.