Walgreens Lawsuit May Result in Substantial Customer Payouts, Lawyer Claims

The recent lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Walgreens may pave the way for significant financial settlements for customers and open the door to broader litigation. The DOJ alleges that Walgreens filled millions of unauthorized prescriptions, fueling the opioid epidemic that has devastated families across the United States. A Walgreens spokesperson has stated that the company looks forward to defending its position in court.

Why This Matters?

The DOJ’s civil complaint, filed in an Illinois federal court, brings fresh attention to the ongoing opioid crisis, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives over the past decade. The lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to additional class action lawsuits from individuals who believe their or their loved ones’ opioid addiction stems from Walgreens’ alleged negligence.

Key Details of the Case

In the lawsuit filed on January 16, the DOJ highlighted the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic, accusing Walgreens of violating federal law by filling invalid prescriptions over the last decade.

“Between August 10, 2012, and the present, Walgreens filled millions of invalid controlled-substance prescriptions in violation of federal law,” the complaint states. These prescriptions, according to the DOJ, contributed to a wave of overdoses and fatalities, with some patients dying shortly after obtaining opioids from Walgreens pharmacies.

The DOJ also alleges that corporate decisions at Walgreens directly enabled these violations, making the company liable for the harm caused. This isn’t the first time Walgreens has faced legal challenges related to the opioid crisis—the company previously agreed to pay $7 billion to settle opioid-related litigation.

Expert Opinions

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, now president of the West Coast Trial Lawyers law firm, noted that this lawsuit could have a significant financial impact on Walgreens.

“The Department of Justice filed similar lawsuits against CVS and Walmart during the Biden administration,” Rahmani said. “The latest lawsuit may allow victims who lost loved ones to opioids, including fentanyl, to sue Walgreens if they haven’t already. Shareholders could also file derivative suits since Walgreens’ stock dropped significantly after the lawsuit was announced.”

Walgreens Responds

A Walgreens spokesperson shared the company’s perspective, criticizing the DOJ’s approach.

“We are asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists,” the spokesperson said. “The government is trying to enforce arbitrary ‘rules’ that do not exist in any law or regulation and were never established through official rulemaking. We will not stand by and allow this to harm the professionalism and integrity of our pharmacists.”

What Happens Next

Walgreens plans to formally respond to the lawsuit in court. In the meantime, the DOJ has already obtained internal Walgreens emails and prescription records as part of its investigation. Additional disclosures from Walgreens’ internal operations are expected in the coming months.

This legal battle could lead to significant payouts for affected individuals and set a precedent for how pharmacies are held accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. If the DOJ’s case proves successful, it could reshape the responsibilities of large pharmacy chains when it comes to monitoring prescription practices.

Conclusion

The DOJ’s lawsuit against Walgreens underscores the severe consequences of the opioid epidemic and the responsibility of corporations to prevent misuse of controlled substances. For families who have suffered due to opioid addiction, this case may offer a path to justice and financial relief. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight will remain on Walgreens and its role in addressing or exacerbating the opioid crisis.