Washington AG Seeks Over $38B From Opioid Distributors

Washington AG Seeks Over $38B From Opioid Distributors

Introduction

An attorney general of Washington is seeking over $38 billion settlement against the opioid distributors for fueling the opioid epidemic that resulted in several deaths.

As per the court documents, the AG sued McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. in 2019, and alleged that the companies shipped huge amounts of painkillers into the state which resulted in an opioid epidemic.

The AG is seeking a sufficient amount to undo the effects of the opioid epidemic in Washington state as the state reported 8,000 deaths from 2006 to 2017. The state even demands settlement to pay for treatment services, criminal justice costs, public education campaigns and other programs.

The AG rejected a half-billion-dollar settlement and has asked the court to hold the companies liable for the opioid epidemic, but it is a bad move from the AG, considering the earlier rulings such as the overturning of the $465 million judgment against drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

All the lawsuits against the opioid distributors allege that the companies deliberately marketed the drugs in such a way that the doctors and professionals prescribe them on priority. The distributors used deceptive marketing strategies to boost sales and churn out huge profits.

Currently, the distributors, drug makers, distribution companies and pharmacies face 3,000 lawsuits from state and local governments. Washington's trial is the first case that will be faced by the drug companies.