Baltimore Judge Reduces Opioid Damages from $266 Million to $51.8 Million, Citing Excessiveness

In a recent decision, Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill of the Baltimore City Circuit Court overruled a jury’s $266 million damages award in an opioid public nuisance case, terming it “grossly excessive.” The ruling targets two defendant drug companies involved in the litigation. Judge Fletcher-Hill stated that the jury’s decision could not be supported by the evidence presented during the trial. He directed for a new trial unless the plaintiff is willing to accept a significant reduction in the damages, bringing the total liability down to $51.8 million. The legal proceedings have captured significant attention due to their implications for ongoing opioid litigation nationwide. Further details can be found in the National Law Journal.