Kroger Settles US Opioid Lawsuits for $1.4B — Retail Bum

U.S. grocery chain Kroger has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle more than 2,000 opioid endemic-related lawsuits filed against the company by several U.S. states, local governments, and Native American tribes for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

The lawsuits accused drug companies of downplaying risks associated with the use of opioid painkillers and distributors and pharmacies of ignoring red flags that pointed to illegal trafficking. So far, the litigation has seen more than $51 billion in settlements following deals with major drugmakers and distributors in the country.

Kroger, for one, will pay $1.2 billion to U.S. states, counties, and municipalities and another $36 million to Native American tribes. In addition, it will pay $177 million to cover plaintiffs’ attorney fees and expenses.

The settlement is dependent on the participation of 33 eligible states and will see the company payout the $1.2 billion over the next 11 years without admitting any wrongdoing.

Kroger’s settlement, the first by a supermarket pharmacy chain, follows negotiations led by attorney generals from the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia.