Alabama Jury Returns Verdict Against a Drug Company
Congratulations to the Beasley Allen firm for its verdict on Thursday, February 22 against AstraZeneca PLC. This was a difficult and hard fought case that is far from over.
The Beasley firm represented the State of Alabama claiming that the drug company had over-charged the State's medicaid system for drugs. Through the trial process, they discovered that the drug company had been charging medicaid one fee and then selling the drugs to wholesalers for much less money.
After hearing all of the evidence, the jury returned a verdict against AstraZeneca PLC for a total of $215 million, $40 million in compensatory damages and $175 million in punitive damage. The drug company vehemently denies any wrongdoing and plans on appealing.
To read more about read the story at several different cites including, here, here or here.
This was an important win for the State and several other states, as there is another trial scheduled in April under the same theory, but against another drug manufacturer. Additionally, other states are looking at bringing similar type suits. We wish them luck.
