Plaintiff Verdict On Liability In New Jersey Vioxx Trial

In the latest New Jersey Vioxx trial, the jurors rendered a verdict in favor of  the plaintiff, Frederick “Mike” Humeston, who took Vioxx prior to his death. In this bifurcated preceding designed only to address Merck’s potential liability, the New Jersey state court jury found that Merck & Company failed to warn about the dangers associated with Vioxx in causing cardiovascular risks and complications. A second phase of the trial is expected to begin Monday in order to determine what compensatory damages, if any, should be awarded to Humeston’s family in connection with his heart attack and death while using Vioxx. The second phase will also address Merck’s conduct and decisions in manufacturing the dangerous drug and whether any punitive damages should be awarded.