Vioxx Lawsuits and Vioxx Claims
Vioxx, also referred to by the generic drug name rofecoxib, is now known to double the risk of strokes and blood clots for patients who have taken the drug for longer than a few months. The drug, along with the other COX-2 inhibitors, is normally prescribed as a pain reliever for arthritis and other chronic inflammation and is taken over a long periods.
Strong evidence now suggests that Merck, the maker of Vioxx, acted irresponsibly in aggressively marketing Vioxx. Merck continued to heavily promote the sale of the drug for wide use, even though some research suggested that Vioxx might cause cardiovascular problems, such as increased rates of stroke and heart attacks. One jury in Texas has already awarded significant economic and punitive damages to the widow of a man who died suddenly of a heart attack after taking Vioxx for only 8 months.
Do You Have A Claim?
Victims, or the families of victims, may receive compensation if they or a loved one have been injured by the drug Vioxx. The types of claims can vary from wrongful death or loss of compensation due to stroke or disability. A Vioxx lawyer who has experience in drug related cases can help to determine if you have a claim and if a lawsuit should be filed.
Vioxx Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit is filed when a person's death is caused by another party. If a person died of a heart related problem while taking Vioxx, then there may be wrongful death claim, which could lead to the filing of a wrongful death Vioxx lawsuit. During a wrongful death lawsuit, the injured party, typically the family of the deceased victim, can be compensated for the loss of income that the deceased individual would have provided during the course of a lifetime, if he or she had not perished. The victim's family can also be compensated for medical and funeral expenses, as well as other expenses related to the Vioxx-induced heart attack.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can also be levied against Merck if the jury believes that Merck acted irresponsibly in marketing the drug to doctors and potential patients. If Merck knew that the drug was dangerous and could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, then they should have advised the doctors who prescribed the drug and patients who took the drug of this increased risk. If Merck withheld certain information derived from studies or made an attempt to purposely interpret study results in a misleading way to shed a positive light on Vioxx, then punitive damages are appropriate. In the recent Texas verdict, over $229 million in punitive damages were levied against Merck. Merck is the world's fourth largest drug maker.
Compensation for Disability
If a Vioxx induced stroke or heart attack has left a person unable to work or to enjoy life, then a Vioxx lawsuit can also be filed. The victim and the victim's family can be compensated for loss of income or the pain and suffering associated with the cardiovascular problem.
Contact A Lawyer
If you or a loved one has taken Vioxx and has suffered a heart attack or stroke, contact us to learn about filing a Vioxx Lawsuit by an expert Vioxx lawyer.