The state of California has joined a lawsuit that accuses pharmaceutical drug giant Bristol-Myers Squibb of bribing doctors and pharmacists to prescribe and distribute its products. Regulators allege that Bristol-Myers Squibb has offered cash, speaking gigs, golf outings, Lakers suites, and even samba lessons to doctors and physicians, potentially costing insurers millions of dollars.
The lawsuit was filed four years ago by an ex-employee, but was only recently made public after the Department of Insurance request was granted by a judge. This lawsuit is not the first of its kind to level charges of fraud and bribery at Bristol-Myers Squibb. In 2007, the company paid $515 million to settle federal charges of a kickback scheme used to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.
The most recent lawsuit alleges over 15,000 kickbacks to doctors occurred between 1999 and 2005. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones claims his department has evidence that the alleged kickbacks have continued through 2011.
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The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has helped make many cases against negligent pharmaceutical giants. If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty product or pharmaceutical drug, do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker for a free consultation at (800) 333-0000.
