Washington Judge Orders Albertsons to Pay $900 Million in Opioid Crisis Case
The judge said Albertsons ignored red flags and discouraged pharmacists from reporting suspicious prescriptions, while the state said 641 million opioid pills were dispensed.
- On Thursday, King County Superior Court Judge Janet Helson ordered Albertsons to pay $900 million for its pharmacies' role in fueling Washington's opioid epidemic, concluding a nine-week bench trial.
- Helson found the company prioritized profits over safety by failing to implement effective policies preventing diversion and ignoring "red flags" in millions of prescriptions filled between 2006 and 2022.
- Albertsons dispensed more than 641 million opioid pills in Washington, with over 6.5 million prescriptions containing red flags; one Kent pharmacy dispensed over 5,000 pills to a single customer.
- Washington Attorney General Nick Brown called the verdict "a victory" providing desperately needed treatment resources, while Albertsons stated it "respectfully disagrees" and is evaluating all available options, including appeal.
- The $900 million judgment follows Albertsons' $774 million nationwide settlement in April; Washington has secured nearly $2.2 billion in opioid cases but chose to continue litigation rather than join earlier settlements.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Washington wins $900M verdict against Albertsons for fueling opioid crisis
A King County Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that Albertsons violated the law by dispensing a high volume of opioid prescriptions while ignoring signs that prescriptions were illegitimate or being abused.
King County judge orders Albertsons to pay $900 million in opioid case
KING COUNTY, Wash. — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced a judge ruled Albertsons pharmacies broke the law by failing to stop opioid misuse and diversion, leading to a $900 million judgment plus fees and costs.The ruling from Judge Janet…
Albertsons must pay $900 million for fueling opioid epidemic in Washington state, judge rules - Regional Media News
By Nate Raymond Nov 5 (Reuters) - Albertsons must pay the state of Washington $900 million for helping fuel an opioid epidemic in the state by failing through its pharmacies to prevent the misuse of addictive painkillers, a state court judge ruled on Thursday. King [...]
Albertsons must pay $900M for role in Washington opioid crisis, judge rules
SEATTLE — Grocery giant Albertsons must pay Washington state $900 million for its pharmacies’ role in fueling the opioid epidemic, a judge ruled Thursday. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said this is believed to be the largest verdict in state history. It came after a 9-week trial before King County Superior Court Judge Janet Helson. Washington has now won nearly $2.2 billion for state and local governments in numerous cases against drug …
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