Baltimore Secures $152 Million in Opioid Settlement, Enhancing City’s Fight Against Drug Crisis

Baltimore, Maryland, has opted to accept a $152 million settlement from two drug distributors as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, a decision that signifies a pragmatic move in light of a complex legal landscape. This amount represents slightly less than the jury’s initial verdict of $266 million delivered late last year, but it contributes to the city’s total recovery of $579.8 million from pharmaceutical companies. The initial jury award came after an extensive seven-week trial against McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, which concluded in 2022. However, Baltimore City … Read more

Baltimore Secures $152.3 Million Settlement in Landmark Opioid Case Against Major Distributors

BALTIMORE — Mayor Brandon Scott announced Thursday that Baltimore City has agreed to a reduced settlement in its ongoing litigation against opioid distributors McKesson and Cencora, previously known as AmerisourceBergen. This decision follows a jury’s initial award of $266 million last fall, which a judge deemed excessive and subsequently cut down. With the acceptance of this revised settlement amount, Baltimore now adds $152.3 million to its efforts to hold pharmaceutical giants accountable for their role in the opioid crisis that has severely impacted the city. “From the beginning, this case has always been about securing … Read more

Baltimore Judge Slashes $266M Opioid Settlement to $100M, Leaves City to Decide on Future Options

Baltimore, Maryland, is facing a legal setback in its fight against the opioid epidemic as a judge has rejected a jury’s suggested $266 million award against pharmaceutical giants McKesson and Cencora, previously known as AmerisourceBergen. Instead, the court has offered the city a more modest $100 million in abatement funds. The legal action, initiated by Baltimore in 2024, accused both companies of contributing to the opioid crisis by distributing excessive quantities of prescription opioids in the region. According to city officials, McKesson and Cencora were responsible for around 60% of the prescription opioid market in … Read more