“$4.5 Million Verdict Goes Against Merck in Split Trial.”

*We may not have lawyers to send your case in every state. Feel free to continue with your case submission and if we feel that we can help you we will contact within 24-48 hours. If you were not contacted within 7 days we were unable to help you.

April 7, 2006 - Merck was ordered to pay more $3 million to Mr. McDarby and $1.5 million to his wife, finding that Vioxx substantially caused Mr. McDarby's heart attack. The verdict came after less than two days of deliberations by a six-woman, two-man jury.

The jury said the company failed to adequately warn both plaintiffs about the risk factors linking the now-withdrawn painkiller to heart attacks and strokes, but said the drug was only a factor in one of the men's illnesses.

The monthlong trial over Merck's now-withdrawn drug focused on Thomas Cona, 60 years old, and John McDarby, 77, who said they were stricken after using Vioxx for arthritis pain.

The panel said Merck concealed the risks of the drug for both men, but ruled that only Mr. McDarby, a retired insurance agent from Park Ridge , should receive compensation.

The jury did award $3 million to Mr. McDarby and $1.5 million to his wife, finding that Vioxx substantially caused Mr. McDarby's heart attack.

There are more than 10,000 Vioxx lawsuits filed against Merck and some expert's estimate that 25,000 lawsuits will be filed within the next 12 months and those damages could reach as high as 30 billion dollars in settlements.

Merck had long known that the drug caused heart problems but swept the findings under the carpet. We have helped thousands of people file their Vioxx claims against Merck.

 We have helped thousands of people find and experienced Vioxx lawyer in each state. Legal assistance is surest way to protect your rights and secure just compensation for your family.