Albertsons accused of overworking pharmacists, fueling opioid crisis as Washington state trial begins

The trial, which is being overseen by Judge Janet Helson, is expected to last until September.

Albertsons said in a statement that it has strong pharmacy practices that are designed to promote safe and responsible use of prescription medicines and that its April settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

Washington has actively litigated against drugmakers, pharmacy chains and drug distributors it has accused of fueling the opioid crisis in recent years, often continuing to press its case in court after other states settle their claims.

The state reached a $518 million settlement after starting a trial against three large opioid distributors in 2022, taking about $100 million more than it would have received if it had chosen to participate in the nationwide settlement framework proposed by those companies.