A federal bankruptcy judge would have wide discretion on how to proceed, which could impact the claims of hundreds of local and state governments that have sued. Opioid overdoses have surgedSince OxyContin, a time-released opioid, was introduced in 1996, addiction and overdoses to opioids have surged. There's a history of bankruptcy claims by organizations facing big lawsuits. "So you might try to stop that litigation from happening and consolidate it in front of bankruptcy judge who you hope will be more favorable." A bankruptcy judge could pressure plaintiffs to settle with the company if they want to get any damages at all, Buccola said.

Source: CBC News March 13, 2019 21:00 UTC