Vioxx litigation costly for Merck

Staff Writer

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

Last week The Wall Street Journal online's Law Blog reported that Merck & Company spends more than $1 million a day in legal costs, primarily on exploding Vioxx litigation. In 2006 alone, Merck has spent $325 million on Vioxx legal bills. Third quarter earnings were down 34 percent from this time last year. How long will Merck be able to keep up these costly bills?

An excerpt from the blog details a New Jersey case:

Merck hasn't broken down its costs per trial, but earlier this week, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Carol E. Higbee ordered Merck to produce all of its legal bills and expenses in a two-plaintiff consolidated trial that resulted in a split verdict earlier this year. Under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, if a jury finds in favor of the plaintiff on consumer fraud charges, the defense must foot the plaintiffs' legal bills.

If you or someone you know has experienced side effects, illness or death as a result of Vioxx or other defective drugs, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney. Our personal injury attorneys can give you a free consultation when you complete the form on this Web site.