Boardman, Liberty schools sue consultant over opioid epidemic
BOARDMAN, Ohio - Boardman Local Schools and Liberty Local Schools have filed a class-action lawsuit against McKinsey & Company, Inc., a consulting firm they say played a central role in the opioid crisis.
According to court documents, the public schools' ability to succeed has been taxed by the devastation of the opioid epidemic.
The lawsuit states that "McKinsey's role as the architect of a scheme to 'turbocharge' opioid sales" is directly related to harms of public schools.
Court documents alleged that McKinsey's actions flooded the market with opioids, leading to an increase in the number of women giving birth to infants with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).
NOWS is a group of neurodevelopment conditions that occur in infants born with opioid withdrawal symptoms.
"Some of the opioid withdrawal symptoms can last up to five to six months after they're born," Resident Pediatrician Dr. John Cox, "But if there's chronic use with the mother, that can cause some developmental delays, and then that is a more lifelong issue."
The schools argue that because of the adverse neurodevelopment consequences of NOWS, infants born with opioid withdrawal need and receive mandated special education services once they reach school age.
According to court documents, the average per pupil expenditure on special education services is almost twice the per pupil cost of other students.
The lawsuit says the opioid epidemic has required public school districts to divert scarce resources to support children born with NOWS or whose families are struggling with opioid addiction and death.
Court documents say the plaintiffs demand a trial by jury on all issues possible.
Attorney Matt Mangino said the case is unique and it may be difficult for the school boards to prove their case.
"It's certainly innovative," Mangino said, "They're going to be able to put up a lot of money that was expended by school districts because of the abuse of opioids. The question is liability. Can they relate that responsibility to over marketng the drug? That's where the case is really going to hinge."
