Prescription Drug Companies Reach Settlement with Ohio Counties in Opioid Litigation

Four major pharmaceutical corporations reached an agreement with Ohio’s Cuyahoga and Summit counties to settle a case related to the damages of the opioid crisis. AmerisourceBergen Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., McKesson Corp., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. agreed to pay a settlement of approximately $260 million to the counties to account for their role in perpetuating the opioid crisis in the state. Additionally, “Teva would contribute $20 million in cash and $25 million worth of Suboxone, used to treat opioid addiction,” according to USA Today. The contributions from Teva are part of the $260 million settlement. Henry Schein, a distributor, reached a separate settlement for $1.25 million. In opioid cases across the United States, the decision of how funds will be distributed remains a question. Settlement terms vary between cases. In claims that are brought forward by municipalities, such as the Ohio case, compensation is meant to serve as funding for rehabilitation and detox programs in the area. In cases brought forth by individuals or groups of people, the payment could serve more as retribution for the damage caused by the pharmaceutical companies. In the Ohio case, the two counties intend to apply the settlement toward establishing recovery programs. This recent settlement is just the beginning of steps toward resolving the opioid crisis. There are still thousands of lawsuits in progress across the country, as towns, counties, and individuals pursue compensation for the damages. Cases such as the recent Ohio settlement are evidence that the liability of pharmaceutical companies is being recognized. Following the Cuyahoga and Summit counties case, which addressed some of the most severely-impacted areas in the United States, the possibility of an all-encompassing settlement has been proposed. A $48 billion deal with local governments was rejected. The government entities are now considering a $22.25 billion deal which would include $18 billion distributed over 18 years, $250 million over 10 years from Teva, $23 billion in Suboxone, and $4 billion from Johnson & Johnson during the program’s initial inception. Although the most publicized opioid cases focus on the successes of municipalities and government entities, individuals may be able to receive compensation for their injuries as well. If you or a loved one was harmed by the use of opioids or struggled with addiction, contact Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. Our attorneys represent victims of the opioid crisis and are committed to holding pharmaceutical corporations accountable. Send us a message or call (419) 719-5195 to speak with our legal team and discuss your case.