Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, alleging the pharmacy chain played a direct role in fueling the opioid crisis by filling millions of unlawful prescriptions over the last decade. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims Walgreens pharmacists repeatedly dispensed controlled substances without verifying their legitimacy, allowing massive quantities of opioids and other drugs to flow through its stores unchecked. The allegations include violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act, underscoring the severity of the claims against one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains.
Federal prosecutors argue that Walgreens ignored red flags signaling fraudulent prescriptions and pressured its pharmacists to prioritize speed over proper scrutiny. The company allegedly discouraged internal communication among pharmacy staff, preventing pharmacists from warning each other about high-risk prescribers. Internal data, which should have revealed patterns of abuse, was also reportedly disregarded. The lawsuit contends that Walgreens actively created an environment where pharmacists lacked the resources and authority to intervene, even when they suspected illegal activity.
Has Walgreens Played a Role in the Opoiod Crisis?
Opioid addiction has devastated communities across the country, and pharmacies are supposed to act as a safeguard against improper distribution. Instead, the Justice Department claims Walgreens became a key link in a broken system, allowing opioids to be dispensed in excessive amounts with little oversight. According to the complaint, the company filled prescriptions that were blatantly unlawful, ignored concerns raised by its own pharmacists, and continued processing opioid orders despite clear signs of abuse.
One of the most damaging claims in the lawsuit is that Walgreens sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs for these prescriptions. By doing so, the company allegedly violated the False Claims Act, a law designed to prevent fraud against government-funded programs. This means that, beyond contributing to the opioid epidemic, Walgreens may have also defrauded taxpayers by billing Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health programs for illegitimate prescriptions.
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The Impact on Maryland Communities
With dozens of Walgreens locations throughout Maryland, the lawsuit raises critical questions about how many of these unlawful prescriptions were dispensed within the state. Maryland has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic, with Baltimore consistently recording some of the highest overdose rates in the country. Pharmacies play a crucial role in either stopping or perpetuating this crisis and if Walgreens pharmacies in Maryland had participated in these practices, it could have worsened an already dire situation.
The state has taken significant legal action against opioid manufacturers and distributors in recent years, leading to major settlements with companies like Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson. This lawsuit expands that accountability to the pharmacy level, reinforcing that companies responsible for dispensing controlled substances must be held to strict standards. While individual prescribers bear responsibility for writing unlawful prescriptions, pharmacies are expected to act as a line of defense by refusing to fill questionable orders.
Walgreens’ Response and the Path Forward
Walgreens has denied the allegations, insisting that its pharmacists follow the law and that it has strict policies in place to prevent the improper dispensing of opioids. The company has previously settled lawsuits related to opioid distribution but has not admitted wrongdoing. This case, however, brings a new level of scrutiny, as the Justice Department seeks to prove that Walgreens’ failure to act was not just negligent but intentional.
If the lawsuit succeeds, Walgreens could face significant financial penalties and be forced to implement stricter oversight on prescription dispensing. The case could also set a precedent for how pharmacies nationwide are held accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic. In Maryland, where opioid-related deaths remain a public health crisis, the outcome of this lawsuit could influence future regulatory efforts and enforcement actions against pharmacy chains.
As the legal battle unfolds, questions remain about how deeply these alleged practices were embedded in Walgreens’ corporate structure. The Justice Department’s complaint suggests that the failure to stop unlawful prescriptions was not limited to isolated incidents but rather a systemic issue driven by business priorities. Whether Walgreens will be held financially and legally accountable for its alleged role in the opioid crisis remains to be seen.
Pharmacy or Medication Error in Maryland? Let Us Help
When a prescription mistake leads to serious harm, you have legal options. Whether a pharmacist, doctor, or manufacturer was responsible, you shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers fight for those harmed by medication errors across Maryland. Contact us today at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation, or submit a case inquiry through our website.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.