CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rite Aid has agreed to pay the state millions of dollars to resolve a lawsuit related to the opioid crisis.
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday the settlement may add up to $30 million as the company addresses claims it failed to maintain diversion controls and contributed to the oversupply of opioid medications in West Virginia.
“So many lives have been lost and shattered by this scourge,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement. “With this settlement and other settlements, we will provide significant help to those affected the most by the opioid crisis in our state.”
According to the lawsuit, Rite Aid’s lack of response caused financial damages, including ongoing medical treatment costs, rehabilitation costs and other losses.
The state Attorney General’s Office said litigation against other pharmacies continues in the Mass Litigation Panel. A related trial is scheduled to begin in September.