CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is opposed to a proposed settlement involving Johnson & Johnson and various opioid distributors, arguing the total $22 billion is too low.
Under the deal, Johnson & Johnson would be responsible for paying $4 billion while wholesalers would pay $18 billion.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick MorriseyMorrisey said Friday the deal is not enough given the present-day value of the settlement as well as the damages associated with the drug crisis. He also noted smaller states are being poorly treated by the present allocation formula.
“West Virginia and her counties and cities will continue to litigate and ensure that our state, counties and cities obtain significant additional monies for abatement and other purposes,” Morrisey said. “We have led the way nationally in litigating these cases and have specifically protected future claims for West Virginia counties, cities and abatement for our citizens.”
Morrisey urged other state attorneys general to oppose the agreement.
