West Virginia Reaches , Tentative Settlement With Drugmakers, in Opioid Crisis Trial.
On May 25, attorneys for the state of West Virginia reached a tentative $161.5 million settlement with two pharmaceutical manufacturers.
.
'The Guardian' reports that the deal was reached just as the seven-week trial's closing arguments were scheduled to begin.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced a tentative deal reached between the state and Teva Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie’s Allergan and related companies.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced a tentative deal reached between the state and Teva Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie’s Allergan and related companies.
According to 'The Guardian,' the judge placed the trial on hold to allow both parties to reach a full settlement agreement in the coming weeks.
The original lawsuit accused the defending companies of downplaying the risks of addiction associated with opioid use while emphasizing the benefits.
Amid the ongoing opioid crisis, West Virginia has led the nation in total drug overdose deaths.
The state reached a $99 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, just last month.
.
The state reached a $99 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, just last month.
.
Before that trial even began, Morrisey's office announced another settlement with Endo Health Solutions for $26 million.
Before that trial even began, Morrisey's office announced another settlement with Endo Health Solutions for $26 million.
Over 3,000 lawsuits have been filed involving the opioid crisis in state and federal courts across the country.
Those lawsuits have been brought forth by state and local governments, Native American tribes, unions, hospitals and other entities.