New York Launches ‘Safer Choices’ As Opioid Overdose Deaths Rise

New York’s State Department of Health Launched “Safer Choices” To Help Blunt Sharp Rise In Opioid Overdose Deaths

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (March 15, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health has launched “Safer Choices,” which is a new campaign aimed at preventing opioid overdose deaths.

The campaign shares insights into drug abuse. It also gives drug abuser safer choices including syringe exchange programs.

The new program comes amidst a sharp rise in the number of opioid deaths every year. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 47,000 died from opioid overdoses in 2017 alone.

Part of the problem is the easy access that many people have to opioids through doctors who are often over proscribing these drugs.

At the same time, many illicit drugs are being laced with fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid that is over 100 times stronger than heroin.

Liability For New York Opioid Overdose Deaths

Opioids can be prescribed for a variety of different situations where someone is battling pain. But far too often, these drugs are over prescribed. Depending on the facts of any case, a doctor’s office could face liability for the opioid death of their patient.  If, for example, a doctor acts with careless disregard for the safety of their patient and gives out opioids without following protocol, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any opioid overdose death.

• All medical records should be preserved.
• The actions of the doctor that prescribed the opioid should be reviewed.
• A thorough investigation should be conducted.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any opioid overdose death. But it is important that New Yorkers understand their rights. The family of any person that dies from an overdose death may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases can be difficult to pursue. If you are thinking about pursuing any civil action after an overdose death, it is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Investigating A New York Overdose Death

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to all of the families that have lost loved ones in overdose deaths. It is our sincere hope that measures are considered to curb these needless tragedies. These deaths are nearly always preventable.

Has someone that you care about died due to an opioid overdose? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. There are a number of laws designed to help you. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.