Baltimore Reaches Major Settlements with Teva and Walgreens

Baltimore Settles Claims Against Walgreens and Teva

Baltimore has recently achieved significant settlements with major pharmaceutical companies, including a pivotal agreement with Walgreens and another with Teva Pharmaceutical. These settlements are part of the city's broader strategy to tackle the acute opioid crisis affecting its community.

A Series of Settlements Totaling $402.5 Million

On a recent Tuesday, the city announced its agreement with Walgreens, relating to accusations that the pharmacy chain played a role in promoting opioid addiction within the community. This settlement follows Teva's agreement to pay $80 million to Baltimore, contributing to a total of $402.5 million recovered by the city amid ongoing legal battles with these companies.

Statements of Advocacy and Defense

Baltimore's mayor, Brandon Scott, has expressed pride in the city's efforts to hold these corporations accountable. "We are proud of our efforts to bring these companies to justice over the past several years," said Scott. Meanwhile, Walgreens has maintained its position of denying any liability, asserting that the settlement was made in the interest of stakeholders.

Looking Ahead to Upcoming Trials

As the city celebrates these settlements, it also prepares for upcoming trials against remaining defendants, including drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and distributors like McKesson and Cencora. These companies have faced similar accusations regarding their roles in the opioid epidemic, and their defenses are expected to be vigorously presented in court.

Historic Legal Actions Against Opioid Manufacturers

Baltimore's actions reflect a growing trend among local governments. More than 3,000 municipalities across the country have initiated lawsuits against drug manufacturers and distributors, claiming these companies downplayed the risks associated with their opioid products. The efforts have led to colossal settlements on a national scale, totaling around $46 billion.

Strategic Choices in Settlement Decisions

Unlike many local governments, Baltimore opted out of the broader global settlement agreements, believing it could secure more funds through individual lawsuits. For example, under a multi-state agreement with Teva, Baltimore would have received a mere $11 million spread over 13 years. Instead, the city chose a path that places a stronger emphasis on seeking accountability and ensuring adequate compensation to tackle addiction recovery efforts.

The Impact of Opioid Overdoses in the U.S.

The implications of these settlements extend beyond financial recovery. The U.S. has witnessed an alarming rise in opioid overdoses, with more than 800,000 fatalities recorded from 1999 to 2023. Addressing this crisis is essential not only for healing affected communities but also for preventing future tragedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key settlements Baltimore reached?

Baltimore recently settled with Walgreens and Teva Pharmaceutical, totaling $402.5 million to tackle opioid-related claims.

What is the stance of Walgreens regarding the settlement?

Walgreens has disputed any liability but believes the settlement benefits all stakeholders involved.

Why did Baltimore opt-out of larger global settlements?

Baltimore sought to recover more funds than it would have received through multistate agreements, aiming for greater financial support for addiction recovery.

How many local governments have filed lawsuits regarding opioids?

Over 3,000 local governments have initiated lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors to address the epidemic.

What is the scale of the opioid crisis in the United States?

From 1999 to 2023, there have been over 800,000 deaths due to opioid overdoses in the United States, illustrating the severity of the public health crisis.

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