Baltimore Wins $274 Million Verdict Against Drug Distributors for Fueling Opioid Crisis

BALTIMORE — In a significant legal decision, a jury recently sided with Baltimore, finding that two prominent drug distributors played a crucial role in exacerbating the city’s opioid crisis by distributing hundreds of millions of painkillers. The verdict concluded with an award of $274 million in damages to the city, spotlighting the ongoing national debate over accountability in the opioid epidemic. The decision came after the jury found that McKesson Corp. and AmerisourceBergen Corp., which together controlled 60% of Baltimore’s opioid market for roughly a decade, were responsible for the public nuisance by unreasonably flooding … Read more

Baltimore Strikes $80 Million Deal with Walgreens to Address Opioid Crisis Impact

Baltimore, Maryland – In a significant legal victory, the city of Baltimore has achieved an $80 million settlement with Walgreens and a $266 million damages award against drug distributors McKesson and Amerisource-Bergen. These outcomes mark a serious commitment to addressing the opioid crisis that has devastated communities across the city. Announced last month, the Walgreens settlement resolves the city’s claims against the pharmacy giant for its involvement in exacerbating the opioid epidemic. The terms of the agreement stipulate that Walgreens will pay $45 million by the end of this year, with the remaining $35 million … Read more

U.S. Jury Orders Virginia Contractor to Pay $42 Million for Role in Abu Ghraib Torture Cases

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In a landmark decision, a Virginia federal court awarded $42 million to three former detainees of the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, finding a U.S.-based defense contractor culpable for their inhumane treatment nearly two decades ago. The unanimous verdict by an eight-member jury against Reston, Virginia’s CACI International came after a previous jury was unable to determine the company’s liability earlier this year. The plaintiffs, Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili, and Asa’ad Al-Zubae, each received $3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $11 million each in punitive damages for the … Read more

Jury Orders Defense Contractor to Pay $42 Million for Role in Abu Ghraib Human Rights Abuses

Washington — A jury has determined that a defense contractor must pay $42 million in damages for its role in the human rights abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. This landmark verdict addresses the mistreatment of prisoners that shocked the world when it came to light in 2004, highlighting the legal consequences for private companies involved in military operations abroad. The defense contractor, whose employees were found to have participated in the abuse of detainees, faced accusations of failing to properly manage and supervise its employees. This case is part of a broader … Read more