ParfumGigi@aol.com
11 novembre, 2007 12:35
A Glance at the Vioxx Settlement -copied off
This seems totally un fair persons, that took Vioxx may have developed another type of heart disorder from; using Vioxx. I'd, consult an
attorney if; I took Vioxx. You might be entitled to compensation for a heart valve problem, or another type of heart problem from, taking Vioxx. Gigi-Karen________________________________________________
A glance at the $4.85 billion settlement Merck & Co. made with Vioxx users:
_ People who filed claims by Nov. 8, 2007, and can prove they had a heart attack or stroke are eligible. The amount that each victim gets depends on the severity and date of the injury, Vioxx usage and whether they had risk factors such as smoking or obesity.
_ Some 46,000 people sued Merck after Vioxx was pulled from the market in 2004 following a company study found the painkiller doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke.
_ Until Friday, Merck maintained it would fight every case and made no settlements. Results at trials had been mixed, with Merck prevailing in 10 of 15 verdicts and appealing the losses.
_ Merck does not admit any fault, but the deal allows the Whitehouse Station-based company to put a final price on the case and avoid years of litigation.
_ Plaintiffs do not have to take any action yet. They will be contacted by their lawyers and given an estimate of their award. Then they can decide whether to join the settlement or pursue their lawsuit. More than 85 percent of eligible claimants must decide to participate for the settlement to take effect.
_ Lawyers who have already filed cases stand to divide at least $1.6 billion of the settlement money. Individual shares would vary depending on agreements with their clients, although most states cap contingency fees at 33 percent.
_ Merck had already spent nearly $2 billion on legal fees, and risked having to pay tens of millions in jury verdicts if appeals failed.
_ Shares in Merck rose $1.13, or 2 percent, to close Friday at $55.90, near the 52-week high of $58.36. Shares had traded in the $45 range before Merck pulled Vioxx from the market in 2004, but soon slumped toward $25.
_ Alternatives to Vioxx include naproxen, an older anti-inflammatory drug that is taken by millions of Americans and is available in cheaper generic versions. It can cause stomach irritation, so doctors say some people may also need to take one of the newer acid reflux drugs.
