Michael P. Canty and Serena P. Hallowell discuss accountability in opioid epidemic

In a recent lawsuit filed against drugmaker Abbott Laboratories accusing its marketing practices of helping feed a nationwide opioid epidemic, further questions were raised regarding who to hold accountable for contributing to what has resulted in tens of thousands of cases of addiction and deaths.

More lawsuits from municipalities are likely, said Michael P. Canty, a partner at law firm Labaton Sucharow in New York City and a former federal prosecutor. As the costs of the epidemic rise, municipalities will want to hold those they see as responsible for the epidemic accountable for those costs, he said.

"We're going to continue to see it, coast to coast, as the epidemic has been impacting people nationwide," said Serena P. Hallowell, also a partner at Labaton Sucharow.