WVU in the News: Opioid trial explores gateway theory, costs of crisis as distributors, plaintiffs near halfway point
The sixth week of an opioid trial pitting Cabell County and Huntington against opioid distribution companies came to a gridlock due to lengthy cross-examinations by the companies.
Throughout week six, the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses said the opioid crisis was fueled by prescription pain pills and has caused a $3.3 billion impact on Huntington and Cabell County. In an attempt to counter, the defense attorneys picked apart the resources the experts used, attempting to find a hole in the studies.
Professor Gordon Smith, MD, MPH, is among the experts who testified throughout the week.