In a significant legal settlement that has rippled through the pharmaceutical industry, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen have been found liable for their roles in exacerbating the opioid epidemic in Baltimore. According to Mayor Brandon M. Scott's released statement, a jury handed down a verdict awarding the City of Baltimore over $266 million in damages.
"The opioid overdose epidemic has taken a toll on every community in this country, but in Baltimore, it has touched every resident in some way and devastated whole families and whole neighborhoods," Mayor Brandon M. Scott stated. He expressed gratitude towards the jury, acknowledging their decision marked a rebuke of the corporations' disregard for residents' lives. The awarded funds bring Baltimore's total restitution to over $668.5 million.
Scott anticipates that this verdict marks just the beginning of the more significant battle against opioid distributors, with an upcoming abatement proceeding scheduled for December. The city aims to address the comprehensive harm that the opioid crisis has inflicted upon its communities and to honor the memory of lost lives. He also thanked City Solicitor Ebony Thompson, the Affirmative Litigation team, and the outside counsel partners at Susman Godfrey for their dedication to representing Baltimore's interests.
The $266 million awarded from pharmaceutical distributors will go toward Baltimore’s health and recovery programs. Mayor Scott expects this to strengthen the city’s response to the opioid crisis by funding prevention and rehab services. The mayor’s executive order outlines how the funds will be allocated and managed.