Jessy Edwards  |  June 29, 2021

Category: Legal News

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Johnson & Johnson will pay $230 million to settle claims that its marketing of opioids fueled a deadly drug epidemic in New York. 
(Photo Credit: Michael Vi/Shutterstock)

Johnson & Johnson will pay $230 million to settle claims that its marketing of opioids fueled a deadly drug epidemic in New York. 

The multinational corporation announced the settlement Saturday, just days before it was due to defend itself in the nation’s first jury trial over the opioid crisis, Law360 reports. 

That trial starts Tuesday, with remaining defendants Walgreens, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, McKesson Corp., and Anda Inc. 

“The eyes of the world are on New York today as we prepare to lay bare the callous and deadly pattern of misconduct these companies perpetrated as they dealt dangerous and addictive opioids across our state,” New York State Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday. 

“As we fight to put an end to these companies’ unlawful conduct and hold them accountable for the consequences, we recognize no amount of money will ever compensate for the pain and destruction we have collectively experienced, but we hope to push every dollar possible into preventing any future devastation — by investing in prevention, education, and treatment programs.”

In the case of Johnson & Johnson, the settlement also includes an agreement that the company will stop selling opioids nationwide, according to James. She said the deal was negotiated as part of a larger, global deal. 

The agreement resolves claims made by James about the company’s role in helping to fuel the opioid epidemic in New York state, and would allocate payments over nine years, with substantial payments made upfront, she said. New York is eligible to receive more than $130 million as soon as February 2022. 

“Johnson & Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they’re committing to leaving the opioid business — not only in New York, but across the entire country,” James said. “Opioids will no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States by J&J.”

Like Johnson & Johnson, defendants Walmart, CVS, and Rite Aid were also cut from the proceedings ahead of the trial, with CVS announcing it had also reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount, Law360 reported.

The case comes after James filed what she called “the nation’s most extensive lawsuit to hold accountable the various manufacturers and distributors responsible for the opioid epidemic,” in March 2019. The suit took aim at Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family and various opioid distributors. 

On Monday, James said the case against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family was now moving separately through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

American multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson is a household name, known for developing numerous consumer products, medical devices, and pharmaceutical items that frequent the shelves of department stores. 

In addition to the James’ class action lawsuit, the company has found itself as a defendant in a number of class actions over the years —  Including lawsuits claiming that Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder has asbestos in it and is causing cancer, allegations of faulty surgical staples and more.

Click here to read more about the latest Johnson & Johnson class action lawsuit updates, the potential lawsuit settlement amounts, and learn about any Johnson & Johnson news updates to discover if there are any lawsuit settlements or class action investigations that you may be able to join. 

What do you think about the Johnson & Johnson settlement? Let us know in the comments!


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259 thoughts onJohnson & Johnson Will Pay $230M to Settle Opioid Marketing Claims, Won’t Face Trial

  1. Janine Nissl says:

    Add me please

  2. Michele Trujillo says:

    Plz add

  3. Alain Michael says:

    Add me plz

  4. Patricia Armstrong says:

    Add me please had 2 rotor cuffs surgery please help

  5. Jenifer bodnar says:

    I dont believe its the responsability of j+j or the doctors! Its up to the individual to make sure they dont get addicted! Self accountability people!

  6. Renee Jolley says:

    Add me

  7. Marisela Castillo says:

    Add me

  8. JACQUELINE WILKINS says:

    Add me please

  9. Julie G says:

    It sad to see such lawsuit

    1. Erin Johnson says:

      I have been suffering from the Opioid Pandemic

      1. Jenn says:

        Opioid pandemic?
        No.
        Epidemic? Yes.

  10. Jewels says:

    The opioids crisis is really the fault of the doctors for not using other sources depending on the pain……What concerns me is that there no real replacement for these pain killers so people will compensate with alcohol or some street drug….

    1. Jenn says:

      That’s exactly true and correct.
      Due to people being over-prescribed medications for which opioid class meds were not warranted/needed, people became addicted.
      Now those with valid, true, verified and documented medical ailments requiring those very same medications are being denied the prescriptions because of the epidemic.
      I do not believe Johnson & Johnson was fully responsible for the opioid epidemic crisis we now face. Fault also lies on those prescribing as well as those seeking the meds. After all – without those taking the meds there would not be the situation we now face.

      Meanwhile those with debilitating lifelong pain-causing conditions are left without adequate relief we were entitled to until others abused them to the point we are now facing.
      Injections are a joke. Therapy does nothing. NSAIDs might as well be a sugar pill too as they do nothing (besides give ulcers due to taking).

      PS – everyone quick to reply “add me” not reading or comprehending this is only a comment section and will NOT “add” you to ANY suit. ?‍♀️

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