The attorney general for West Virginia sued Purdue Pharma in 2001, charging the company with aggressively marketing OxyContin and deliberately hiding its addictive qualities from doctors. In November 2004, the parties settled. The lawsuit was dropped in return for Purdue Pharma’s promise to spend $10 million on drug abuse and education programs in West Virginia. What argument can you make in favor of injured plaintiffs suing as opposed to suits by state attorneys general? By states?

Internet Assignment Find out about other lawsuits against Purdue Pharma. Which outcomes seem preferable from an ethical perspective?