Opioid Lawsuits Result in Billions in Settlements for Governments and States

Drug manufacturers Allergan and Teva, plus CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart will pay an additional $18.75 billion to settle lawsuits over their roles in the opioid crisis. The settlements will be paid to states and local governments to help communities still grappling with addiction and overdose. The distribution of funds will be calculated by population adjusted for the impact of the crisis. At least 85% of the money must go toward abating the drug crisis, and the companies are required to change their practices to protect the public. The national litigation remains ongoing with other defendants.