NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — A judge is expected to rule next week in Oklahoma’s case alleging consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson helped fuel the opioid crisis in the state.
A court spokesman says Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman is expected to read his decision in open court at 3 p.m. Monday.
The trial began on May 28 and lasted about six weeks.
Led by Attorney General Mike Hunter, Oklahoma claims the company helped create a public nuisance by aggressively marketing its painkillers and downplaying the risk of addiction. The state estimates it will cost as much as $17 billion to abate the crisis.