Five recent opioid settlements to make first payment

While it has taken longer than expected, the five recent settlements – Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Teva, and Allergan – soon will make their first payment. These settlements are part of the $1.1 billion the Attorney General’s Office has recovered from 11 companies that fueled the opioid epidemic. Under the terms of the settlement, these resources must be used to combat the opioid epidemic, including fentanyl. The distribution amounts and schedule vary based on each company’s individual settlement agreement.

If your designated contact person/authorized representative is no longer with your city, or if you need to change your designated contact person/authorized representative for any reason, reach out to the Attorney General’s Office with that information as soon as possible.

More information on opioid settlements:

• If you have questions about the settlements, please contact Jeff Rupert, the Division Chief for the AGO’s Complex Litigation Division, at jeffery.rupert@atg.wa.gov and comopioidscases@atg.wa.gov.
• The settlement administrator is BrownGreer PLC.
• Information on the five settlements with opioid pharmacies and manufacturers – Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Teva, and Allergan – can be found on the Attorney General’s Opioid Pharmacy & Manufacturer Settlement website. More information and documents regarding these settlements can be found on the national settlement website.
• More information on the first settlement – with McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. – can be found on the Attorney General’s Distributors Washington Settlement website.
• Some cities received postcards late 2023 about the McKinsey class action opioid settlement. Read AWC’s coverage.
• The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) published this helpful guide on accounting for revenue received from the opioid lawsuits.

Please note that AWC is facilitating the sharing of information about the opioid settlements. The information is for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Cities should consult their city’s legal counsel with specific questions.