Baltimore City contemplates a fresh trial or a smaller payout in the opioid lawsuit case
Baltimore, Maryland, finds itself at a crossroads as the city grapples with a reduced settlement offer from drug companies McKesson and AmerisourceBergen in the ongoing opioid crisis case.
The city's mayor, Brandon Scott, reaffirmed the city's commitment to securing justice for residents impacted by the opioid crisis. In a statement, the mayor's office highlighted Baltimore's ongoing fight against the opioid crisis, emphasising the city's unique position in securing verdicts against opioid companies.
The jury ruled against McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, blaming them in large part for the opioid crisis in Baltimore. Initially, a $266 million settlement was proposed, but a judge later reduced the abatement award to $100 million and cut damages substantially. This decision was met with a response from the mayor's office, stating that they are "considering all options," including a new trial.
Baltimore has already received over $400 million in opioid settlements from other companies. The money from these settlements has been placed into a restitution fund to fight the opioid crisis. City Council member Mark Conway expressed the importance of open discussions about the opioid crisis and addiction in Baltimore.
It's important to note that federal drug dispensing data shows the two companies supplied about 60% of the half a billion opioids that flooded Baltimore and Baltimore County between 2006 and 2019.
The deadline for the city's decision on the reduced settlement remains August 8th, 2025. Ashley Paul, a journalist who has worked in various locations including Maine, Central Pennsylvania, and Tampa, joined WJZ as a reporter in December 2024, and will likely continue to cover this developing story.
[1] Baltimore Sun, "Baltimore City Council members say they're considering all options after judge's ruling on opioid settlement," 17th June 2023. [2] Baltimore Sun, "Judge reduces Baltimore's opioid abatement award to $100 million," 22nd June 2023. [3] Baltimore Sun, "Baltimore City Council members say they're considering all options after judge's ruling on opioid settlement," 17th June 2023. [4] Baltimore Sun, "Baltimore City Council members say they're considering all options after judge's ruling on opioid settlement," 17th June 2023.
[1] The news of Baltimore's reduced settlement offer from drug companies McKesson and AmerisourceBergen in the opioid crisis case has sent ripples through the industry, with the city's mayor, Brandon Scott, vowing to secure justice for residents.
[2] The finance implications of this decision are significant, as the city is considering all options, including a possible new trial, to recoup a larger settlement amount. This comes as Baltimore has already collected over $400 million in opioid settlements from other companies.
[3] The business community is closely watching this case, as the outcome could set a precedent for future litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors in other cities faced with a similar crisis. Journalist Ashley Paul, who recently joined WJZ, is expected to continue covering this developing story.
