Weekly Mass Torts Bulletin 2024-June-24
Baltimore Settles Opioid Lawsuit with Allergan for $45M
Baltimore has announced a $45 million settlement with Allergan Finance LLC to resolve the ongoing opioid lawsuit against the company.
This significant settlement results from the city opting out of previous global settlements, which would have provided only $7 million over seven years. Instead, the new agreement requires Allergan to pay the entire $45 million within 30 days.
Baltimore City Comptroller praised the settlement, emphasizing the importance of receiving the full amount upfront. This settlement exceeds any previous agreements Allergan has made with other states, including Maryland, which settled for $38 million earlier this year.
Baltimore Mayor commented on the historic settlement, acknowledging the severe impact of the opioid crisis on the city and the importance of holding the responsible parties accountable. The mayor emphasized that all recovered funds will be used effectively to combat the opioid epidemic at every level in Baltimore.
Baltimore City Councilman also highlighted the settlement's significance, noting that while it cannot bring back those lost to the crisis, it is a critical step forward. He announced the creation of a board to oversee the allocation of opioid settlement funds. Further details about the board are forthcoming, but $10 million has already been earmarked for outreach programs, including "peer navigators," which involve individuals in recovery helping others.
The councilman stressed the impact of the funds on recovery programs, stating that they will make a substantial difference for those in recovery who are now able to assist others. The funds will support these crucial programs, enhancing their ability to help those affected by the opioid crisis.
Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer expressed optimism about the settlement, indicating that this $45 million is just the beginning. He anticipates additional settlements in the hundreds of millions, if not billions, to further aid the city in repairing the damage caused by opioid manufacturers.
This settlement represents a major step in Baltimore's efforts to address the opioid crisis and hold accountable those responsible for its devastating effects on the community. The city's proactive approach and significant recovery funds underscore its commitment to combating the epidemic and supporting recovery efforts.
J&J to Pay $700M to Settle States' Talcum Powder Probes
Johnson & Johnson has reached a $700 million settlement with 43 state governments to resolve allegations that it misled consumers about the safety of its talcum powder products, including the presence of asbestos in Johnson’s Baby Powder.
Despite this settlement, over 60,000 lawsuits remain from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and other injuries, claiming the talcum powder contained asbestos, which can increase cancer risk.
Johnson’s Baby Powder, marketed for decades as safe for infants and adults, has come under scrutiny after it was discovered that talcum powder might contain asbestos from raw ingredients. This discovery led to a multistate investigation by Attorneys General from Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and other states into Johnson & Johnson’s talc marketing practices and the potential asbestos contamination of its products.
The company faced accusations of knowingly selling toxic talcum powder products while falsely marketing them as safe and failing to warn the public about asbestos and cancer risks. Johnson & Johnson has now agreed to a consent judgment to end these investigations, requiring a combined payment of $700 million to the states, pending approval by a federal judge.
Florida State Attorney General announced the consent judgment on June 11, highlighting that Johnson & Johnson halted Baby Powder sales in the U.S. when the state investigation began. “This is a major advancement for consumer product safety, as Johnson & Johnson has stopped the manufacturing and marketing of products containing talc powder—which may be linked to serious health issues, including cancer,” said the AG, who led the investigation. He noted that Johnson & Johnson has also recently ceased the sale of talc-based Baby Powder globally.
Beyond the $700 million payment, which includes $48 million to Florida, the consent judgment includes several other provisions. Johnson & Johnson has agreed not to resume the manufacturing, marketing, sale, or distribution of cosmetic powder products containing talc. Additionally, the company has committed to permanently stopping the manufacture, marketing, sale, and promotion of these products in the U.S. through any third party.
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing consumer safety concerns related to talc-based products and holds Johnson & Johnson accountable for its marketing practices and product safety claims.