Bismarck retains legal representation in lawsuit against opioid-producing companies

Nationally, the opioid epidemic continues to make headlines, and North Dakota already joined a lawsuit against opioid-producing companies.

Bismarck decided to work with its own legal representative, a consortium of law firms.

The city hopes to recoup extra costs to first responders that deal with addicts and overdoses, as well as help fund the Health Department.

The city doesn't know how much of the state settlement they would receive if there's one, or what requirements will be placed on it. The city attorney did note that if the city chose a third party it may not receive money from the state.

"We know what the path is going forward with that third party. We don't know what the path is going forward with the Attorney General's office in the state of North Dakota," said Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken.

If it fails, it will not cost the city, but if it succeeds the law firm consortium takes a percentage of the settlement.