Only states and local subdivisions can share in the national distributor and Johnson & Johnson opioid settlements. People and businesses cannot file personal claims in those deals. These deals resolve government claims for local harm and cleanup costs. Personal injury claims belong in separate bankruptcy trusts tied to Purdue, Mallinckrodt, and Endo.
Official resources:
- Read the official notice from Nationalopioidsettlement — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
- Read the official notice from Mnkpitrust — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- Can individuals file in the national deals?
- Which local governments qualify?
- Who qualifies for Purdue injury payments?
- Who qualifies for Mallinckrodt and Endo injury payments?
- Who can file for a child exposed before birth?
Can individuals file in the national deals?
The national deals cover only states and subdivisions. The National Opioid Settlement official FAQ states in its official settlement answers that private individual and business claims are expressly not included or released. A prescription history alone does not create eligibility here.
This boundary cuts both ways. Your city cannot sign away your personal injury claim. You need a different path if a specific maker's drug harmed you.
Which local governments qualify?
A subdivision means a county, city, town, or similar local government. The National Opioid Settlement official FAQ lists counties, municipalities, townships, and litigating subdivisions as participants. A limited number of special districts, such as school, fire, and hospital districts, may also qualify. Location and history set hard limits.
Subdivisions and special districts in non-settling states cannot participate. Subdivisions that separately resolved claims before the reference date are also excluded. Winning funds does not mean flexible funds. The same FAQ requires at least 70% of distributor and J&J proceeds to support future opioid-remediation work from an approved list. Local leaders cannot treat most of the money as general revenue.
- Settling-state location
- County, municipal, township, litigating, or eligible special-district status
- Own signed release for payment
- No separate pre-reference-date resolution
Who qualifies for Purdue injury payments?
Non-NAS means the injured person directly used the drug. It does not mean a child harmed by exposure before birth. The Purdue Personal Injury Trust states in its Purdue trust claims update that non-NAS filers must show prescribed use of a listed Purdue opioid. Use must predate the Sept. 15, 2019 bankruptcy petition date.
📨 Get Free Mass Tort Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Filers must also hold a channeled injury claim and have timely filed a bankruptcy proof of claim. A proof of claim is the formal notice filed in bankruptcy court. An heir or estate representative filing for a decedent must add heirship or estate authorization. Paperwork deadlines also apply. The same Trust required the claim form plus HIPAA consent by July 28, 2025. HIPAA consent lets the Trust review medical records.
Who qualifies for Mallinckrodt and Endo injury payments?
The Mallinckrodt Opioid Personal Injury Trust requires both a prescription and an injury link. Its Mallinckrodt injury claims page says claimants must show a Mallinckrodt opioid prescription, including off-label use, plus injury from that use. Non-future claims faced a June 15, 2025 filing deadline. Endo has stricter product and date gates. The Endo Opioid Personal Injury Trust states in its Endo injury claims page that a qualifying Endo opioid prescription must predate Jan.
1, 2019. Injury must have occurred by July 7, 2023. The bankruptcy proof of claim was due July 7, 2023. The Trust claim form was due May 23, 2024. New individual Endo filings are now time-barred.
Who can file for a child exposed before birth?
NAS means a newborn condition linked to exposure in the womb. NAS claims do not require the child to have filled a prescription. The Mallinckrodt and Endo trusts allow claims for a child diagnosed by a licensed provider with a condition from intrauterine opioid or treatment-medication exposure. Endo's NAS terms took effect Apr.
23, 2024. Only a parent, guardian, or representative may file for the child. That filer must prove authority to act for the child. Gather prescription records, diagnosis paperwork, and proof of authority before contacting the relevant trust.
You Might Also Like
- Video Game Addiction Lawsuit: Who Can File a Claim?
- Roundup Lawsuit October 2026 Settlement Update Explained
- Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Payouts and Eligibility Explained