Reuters Highlights Washington Albertsons Opioid Trial Following National Settlement

Reuters recently highlighted the start of Washington State’s trial against Albertsons, one of the remaining opioid cases proceeding after the company’s previously announced $774 million nationwide settlement. The state alleges Albertsons’ pharmacy practices contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to adequately identify and address warning signs associated with opioid prescriptions. Albertsons denies the allegations.

Levin Papantonio attorney Jeff Gaddy represents the State of Washington in the case. During opening statements, Gaddy argued that Albertsons’ corporate policies created working conditions that made it difficult for pharmacists to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

“[Albertsons] fostered a work environment from top to bottom that was chaotic, stressful, and hostile, and where folks felt like they were grinded down to a nub,” Gaddy said. “Albertsons substantially contributed to the opioid epidemic here within the state, and it needs to be cleaned up.”

According to Reuters, Washington alleges Albertsons emphasized prescription volume while failing to provide pharmacists with the staffing and support necessary to identify potential warning signs of opioid misuse or diversion. Albertsons operates approximately 200 pharmacies in Washington, primarily under its Safeway brand.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said more than 26,000 Washington residents have died from opioid overdoses since the beginning of the opioid crisis, including more than 7,400 deaths in the past three years alone. The lawsuit seeks to hold Albertsons accountable for its alleged role in contributing to the epidemic within the state.

Albertsons disputes the allegations and maintains that it complied with applicable laws. The trial is expected to continue through early September.

Additional Coverage

Since this article was originally published, additional news outlets have reported on the Washington opioid trial, including the Seattle Times, Washington State Standard, and Law360.

The Seattle Times reported that Washington alleges Albertsons pharmacies prioritized prescription volume over patient safety while failing to provide pharmacists with the staffing, training, and resources needed to identify warning signs of opioid misuse. The publication also noted that the state contends the company’s corporate policies discouraged pharmacists from exercising independent professional judgment, while Albertsons maintains it complied with applicable laws and that physicians were responsible for prescribing opioids.

The Washington State Standard highlighted Levin Papantonio attorney Jeff Gaddy’s role during opening statements, reporting that Washington’s case centers on whether Albertsons failed to meet its corresponding responsibility to investigate suspicious opioid prescriptions before dispensing them. The publication noted that the state is seeking to hold Albertsons accountable for its alleged contribution to the opioid epidemic after reaching settlements with other companies accused of fueling the crisis.

Law360 provided additional detail on Gaddy’s opening presentation, reporting that he argued Albertsons knew deficiencies existed in its controlled substance monitoring program for years but failed to require pharmacists to investigate or document red flags before dispensing opioids. According to Law360, Gaddy pointed to internal company communications that he said demonstrated that Albertsons recognized problems with its controlled-substance monitoring practices as early as 2014. He also cited examples of alleged opioid diversion at Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies, arguing the company focused its compliance efforts on theft prevention while failing to adequately monitor suspicious prescribing and dispensing practices.

Gaddy told the court, “What Albertsons did was treat compliance like a spotlight,” Gaddy said. “They shone the light only on theft and loss reporting, and left things like controlled substance reporting, corresponding responsibility, outlier prescribers — left all those in the dark.”

July 29, 2026 Update from Law360:

Law360 also reported on recent trial testimony presented by Levin Papantonio attorney Jeff Gaddy. According to the publication, Gaddy argued that Albertsons’ own internal records showed employees repeatedly raised concerns about pharmacy staffing, workload, and patient safety. During cross-examination, Gaddy highlighted internal emails, including one from a pharmacist warning, “One hiccup and it is a house of cards,” before asking whether Albertsons wanted its pharmacists “to have an environment like the one that’s being described here.” Albertsons disputes the state’s allegations and maintains it acted lawfully.

Levin Papantonio has been at the forefront of opioid litigation nationwide, helping secure significant recoveries for states, municipalities, and individuals affected by opioid abuse and addiction. The firm’s attorneys have played a leading role in shaping major opioid litigation across the country.

Related Pages

• Albertsons’ $774 Million Opioid Settlement Signals Continued Accountability for Pharmacy Chains
• Levin Papantonio’s leadership in national opioid litigation
• Expert Testimony Raises Questions About Albertsons’ Opioid Records