In Re Vioxx: Settlement

Merck settled the outstanding Vioxx claims for $4.85 billion. The Lyon Firm participated in this settlement.

In 2004, after a study showed Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Merck pulled Vioxx from the market. The case was then litigated with 16 trial ultimately going to the jury for a decision. Merck prevailed in 11 of the 16 trials. Despite the settlement, Merck has not admitted that that Vioxx caused injuries.

Each cliam under the settlement was analyzed under an protocal that weighed such factors as a user’s age, their length of use, and their health risks such as obesity or hypertension. The individual extraordinary payout for a heart attack case was capped at $600,000.