Erie County’s Legal Action Against the Opioid Crisis
Erie County, New York, was among the first counties to initiate legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their significant contribution to the local opioid epidemic.
Between 2013 and 2015, Erie County witnessed a staggering 153% increase1 in opioid overdose deaths. With the crisis showing no signs of abating, County Executive Mark Poloncarz declared a public health emergency related to the opioid epidemic in 2016. By the close of that year, the Erie County Department of Health reported an alarming 301 opioid overdose deaths, marking a 198% rise2 since 2013.
Following the 2016 declaration of a public health emergency, in 2017, Erie County launched a civil lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers and individuals who contributed to numerous fatalities and widespread harm. Several other counties in New York, along with the state itself and a national lawsuit involving multiple attorneys general, filed similar actions. Erie County's complaint highlights the defendants' deceptive practices, false advertising, fraud, and unjust enrichment, which have all contributed to escalating opioid dependency, increased healthcare costs, and significant social issues.
Click here to read the complaint filed in the NYS Supreme Court.
As a result of these legal efforts, Erie County is scheduled* to receive $76,911,715 (previously $63m) through 2040, with initial payments beginning in 2022. Erie County has committed to directing all available funds toward opioid abatement initiatives as the crisis remains an ongoing concern.
Erie County expects to receive approximately $76.9 million by fiscal year 2040 from its direct settlement the Western New York Regional Fund.
As of October 2025, the county has received payments totaling $32.7 million and has committed $29 million to community and county initiatives. "Committed funds" are those formally allocated through community contracts or the county budget. The total spent includes all money spent up to the end of fiscal year 2024.
Correction Note: A previous visual incorrectly reported total funds received. As of November 2025, Erie County has received a total of $32,779,684 and has been notified of an incoming payment of $1,820,436, which has not yet been received.
Please check back for a full glossary of terms.
Notes and References
*Anticipated amount may differ from future anticipated totals and/or actual totals due to a variety of reasons. Please check back for a visual that reflects over time, the anticipated amounts, amounts received and amount changes.
1 Erie County Department of Health. (2017). Provider education and policy reform (ECOTF Provider 02062017). Erie County. https://www3.erie.gov/health/sites/www3.erie.gov.health/files/2022-07/ecotfprovider02062017.pdf
2 Erie County Department of Health. (2025). ECDOH OHR Overdose Dashboard [Data dashboard]. Retrieved from https://www3.erie.gov/health/harm-reduction-data [Accessed April 10, 2025]