#United States #Berger Montague #West Virginia #Tycko Zavareei #Wexford Health

Class Action Lawsuit Against Private Prison Contractor for Opioid Medication Denial

In a significant legal development, the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia has granted class certification in a lawsuit against Wexford Health Sources, a contractor providing healthcare services to correctional facilities. The lawsuit, Spurlock v. Wexford Health Sources, Inc., alleges that the contractor denied necessary medication for Opioid Use Disorder to inmates, thereby violating established medical standards and constitutional rights.

The legal teams from two renowned law firms, Berger Montague PC and Tycko & Zavareei LLP, are representing the plaintiffs in this case. Shanon J. Carson, an executive shareholder at Berger Montague, stated that this ruling is a crucial procedural step. He expressed pride in his legal team's diligent efforts to support their clients and the affected class members.

The lawsuit claims that Wexford's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the medical needs of incarcerated individuals, constituting deliberate indifference to those suffering from opioid addiction. Attorney Anna Haac from Tycko & Zavareei emphasized the importance of this case in the broader fight against the opioid crisis, pointing out that Wexford has received substantial taxpayer funding while failing to provide essential medication for those in need.

The plaintiffs argue that Wexford's policies, limiting access to FDA-approved treatments for Opioid Use Disorder, contravene the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This assertion was acknowledged by the court when certifying the classes, centralizing the key question of whether these medications qualify as standard care and whether the company's policies align with the constitutional mandate.

In total, two distinct classes have been certified by the court:
1. A damages class comprising individuals who were confined in specific facilities, diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder, had prescriptions for relevant medication, or experienced opioid withdrawal while incarcerated, and were subsequently denied their medication or proper medical screening.
2. A class aimed at obtaining injunctive relief, seeking to implement changes in Wexford's policies regarding the treatment of opioid use disorder going forward.

As the legal proceedings advance, both law firms are keen to gather testimonies from individuals nationwide who faced similar experiences regarding medication denial while incarcerated. They aim to highlight these distressing issues affecting countless lives within the correctional system. More information on the case is accessible at Berger Montague's website.

Berger Montague is known for its extensive involvement in complex civil litigation, including class actions and mass torts across federal and state courts. The firm has earned a reputation for successfully recovering over $50 billion for its clients and represented individuals in various sectors such as antitrust, civil rights, and environmental law for over 55 years.

On the other hand, Tycko & Zavareei LLP was founded to protect the public interest through impactful litigation, specializing in class actions and false claims. Their work has successfully recovered hundreds of millions for clients affected by corporate wrongdoing, including various unfair practices.

This lawsuit not only signifies a pivotal moment for those involved but also exemplifies the ongoing struggle for justice within the context of the larger opioid crisis in the United States. As legal action unfolds, the broader implications for inmate rights and access to necessary healthcare will remain in the spotlight.