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Merck to Pay $4.85 Billion in Vioxx Case
November 13, 2007

In one of the largest ever settlements in civil litigation history, Merck agreed to pay a grand total of $4.85 billion to settle more than 27,000 lawsuits filed by people who were injured or had a family member injured or die as a result of taking the Vioxx drug. The amount might seem staggering but is less than the annual profits of the company, America's third largest drug company.

The drug at the center of all the attention, Vioxx was withdrawn by Merck in 2004 after reports that it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to insider information however, the company's researchers had been aware all the while about Vioxx's potential side effects but did nothing about it. Even the results of a clinical trial as far back as 2000 showed clearly that Vioxx was riskier than another painkiller, naproxen. But no attempts were made to pull back the drug.

Merck lost the first case that went to trial when a jury awarded a $253.5 million verdict in favor of Carol Ernst whose husband died after taking Vioxx for less than a year. The settlement only holds if at least 85 percent of the plaintiffs agree to the settlement. Plaintiffs will receive different settlement amounts depending upon the severity of their injuries and the length of time they took Vioxx. Plaintiffs who do not accept the settlement are free to pursue their own claims against Merck. Even if the settlement is approved, this does not end Merck's legal troubles. The drug company still faces both civil and criminal investigations by several states and the U.S. Justice Department.

If you have been injured as the result of taking Vioxx or any other prescription drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the California personal injury lawyers at The Reeves Law Group for a free consultation.

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