Vioxx cases crawl through the courts
August 21st, 2007 by Todd HagemanAn article in today’s New York Times highlights the legal logjam caused by Merck & Company’s vow to fight each and every Vioxx claim filed against it. Already, the company has spent more than $1 billion in legal fees over the course of three years. Despite the soaring legal costs, Merck refuses to consider the possibility of an overall settlement.
The numbers paint a grim picture. While over 45,000 Vioxx lawsuits have been filed nationwide, fewer than 20 cases have been tried. And in the last 15 cases that went to trial, only five ended with a verdict for the plaintiff.
Even when plaintiffs win, they aren’t getting paid. In August 2005, Carol Ernst won a $253.5 million verdict. Because Texas law limits punitive damage awards, the verdict was automatically reduced by the court to $26.1 million. Merck appealed but the higher courts have not yet ruled. According to her attorney, the earliest Ernst can expect to collect the damages awarded by a jury is 2010 – five years after she won the case!
If you or someone you know has been hurt as a result of taking a dangerous medication, contact Todd Hageman toll free at (877)767-3108.
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