Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has surpassed the first threshold required for finalizing the company’s $3.1 billion nationwide opioid settlement framework announced on Nov. 15.
The company has settlement agreements with all U.S. 50 states, including four states that previously settled with the company, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and three other U.S. territories, that are intended to resolve all opioids-related lawsuits brought by state and local governments against Walmart.
The participation exceeded the 43 states that were required to join the nationwide settlement framework by Dec. 15 for it to move forward. The settlement will take effect if a number of cities and counties also join.
Walmart believes these settlements are in the best interest of all parties and will provide aid to communities across the country in the fight against the opioid crisis, with aid reaching state and local governments faster than any other nationwide opioid settlement to date, subject to all settlement requirements.
Walmart also disputes the allegations in these matters, and these settlements do not include any admission of liability. Walmart will continue to defend the company against any lawsuit not resolved through these settlements.
The company has adopted many approaches to fighting the opioid crisis as part of its Opioid Stewardship program. More information is available at corporate.walmart.com/opioids.
Each week, about 230 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 billion, Walmart employs 2.3 million workers worldwide. Additional information about the company can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com.
