Baltimore Judge Reduces Opioid Verdict from $266M to $52M

A Baltimore judge has ruled that the $266 million jury award to the city in its opioid lawsuit against drug distributors McKesson and AmerisourceBergen was excessively high and unjustified by the evidence, suggesting a reduced settlement of $52 million or the option for a new trial. The jury had found these companies responsible for 97% of Baltimore's opioid crisis and awarded the damages accordingly, but the judge disagreed with the extent of their liability. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed disappointment with the ruling and stated the city is evaluating all legal options to continue fighting the opioid epidemic. The judge's decision did not address the city's separate $5 billion request for future opioid crisis relief, pausing that aspect until damages are resolved. Baltimore has already secured over $400 million from settlements with other pharmaceutical companies related to the opioid crisis. The companies argued it was illogical to ascribe nearly full responsibility for the crisis to them, highlighting the role of illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl.