Uncovering the Role of Attorneys in Unstoppable Opiate Addiction

Production Date: Friday, March 03, 2017 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (ET)

Overview:

Opiate addiction is a growing health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999. In 2015, the five states with the highest mortality rates due to overdose were West Virginia, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Ohio and Rhode Island.

Opiate abuse poses a serious threat to the American populace. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to address this issue now more than ever.

This course offers an overview of the current data related to opiate addiction. A panel of thought leaders will discuss the driving factors of the rising opiate abuse and how the healthcare industry can help address this issue.

In a two-hour LIVE Webcast, the speakers will discuss:

Opiate Addiction in the US
Heroin Use
Key Factors Driving the Rise of Opiate Abuse
The Role of Healthcare in Overdose Prevention
Federal and Local Government Programs

Agenda:

SEGMENT 1:
Charles Miller, Partner
Heygood, Orr & Pearson

Opiate Addiction in the US and Cases of fentanyl-related overdose deaths.
- Product liability cases.
- Medical malpractice unrelated to opioid addiction (e.g., prescribing to patients who were opioid naïve, had breathing problems, or were prescribed opioids with too many other CNS depressants, etc.)
- Physician’s failure to identify—and take appropriate actions—in response to clear signs of opioid addiction.

Heroin use and Classic signs that a pain management patient has an addiction problem
- Prior suicide or overdose attempts;
- A personal or family history of alcohol or drug abuse/addiction;
- A history of depression;
- Requests for early opioid refills;
- Using more opioid medication than prescribed;
- Getting additional opioids by visiting the ER or by “doctor shopping”
- Obtaining additional opioids from friends or family members;
- Instances where a patients is exhibiting signs of overmedication (e.g., slurring words).

Key Factors to diminish the Rise of Opiate Abuse
- Medical professionals should be vigilant in looking for signs of opioid addiction and/or misuse
- should act quickly to get patients addiction treatment when warranted.

SEGMENT 2:
Kay Van Wey, Founder
Van Wey Law, P.L.L.C.

Pill Mill Litigation

Scope of the Problem
- Prescription Narcotic Abuse Surpasses Cocaine and Heroin
  - Who is at fault for causing the problem?
  - Are Junkies or Accidental Addicts to Blame?
  - Who is at Risk?
- Prescription Opioid Abuse: A First Step to Heroin Use?

Pharmacists

Responsibilities when Dispensing Controlled Substance Prescriptions

Wholesale Distributors

Anti-Diversion Systems- Suspicious Order Monitoring Program

Manufacturers

In Guilty Plea, OxyContin Maker to Pay $600 Million
Where is the FDA Coming From?

Failure to Warn

Chicago files suit against major narcotics makers

Who Should Attend:

Pharma/Healthcare Attorneys & Advisors
Healthcare Law Attorneys
Healthcare Consultants
Health Services Professionals
Healthcare Service Providers
Medical Directors
Medical Providers
Pharmaceutical Company Executives
Professionals from Pharmaceutical Firms
Health Industry Advisors
Federal Healthcare Facilities

Charles Miller Partner Heygood, Orr & Pearson

Charles Miller is Dallas-based trial lawyer practicing in the areas of products liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, and complex commercial …

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Kay Van Wey Founder Van Wey Law, P.L.L.C.

Kay L. Van Wey is an experienced personal injury trial lawyer. She is the owner of Van Wey Law, a …

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Course Level:
Intermediate

Advance Preparation:
Print and review course materials

Method of Presentation:
On-demand Webcast

Prerequisite:
NONE

Course Code:
146218

NASBA Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge - Technical

NY Category of CLE Credit:
Areas of Professional Practice

Total Credits:
2.0 CLE

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SPEAKER FIRMS:

Heygood, Orr & Pearson

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About Heygood, Orr & Pearson

Heygood Orr & Pearson (HOP) is a Dallas-based litigation firm that represents plaintiffs in personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, consumer and class action cases. HOP has handled hundreds of wrongful death cases involving the opioid painkiller, fentanyl. HOP’s fentanyl cases have included both product liability and medical malpractice cases. HOP has also handled hundreds of design-defect product liability cases against major table saw manufacturers. HOP is currently on the plaintiff’s steering committee and has been appointed as class counsel in the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” MDL pending the Northern District of California.

About Van Wey Law, P.L.L.C.

The attorneys and staff at Van Wey Law are dedicated to treating each client with dignity and respect and affording each person the individualized attention they deserve. The team members are caring and compassionate professionals who have first-hand experience of pain and loss in our own lives. They are able to relate to their clients thus making them become part of the firm family. The entire team is laser focused on achieving results for their clients that serve a purpose of “righting wrongs” by restoring dignity and assuring financial peace of mind.