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Merck Asks for Trial Delay

Merck petitions for delay in first Vioxx case

08:43 PM CDT on Monday, July 4, 2005

Associated Press

SAGAPONACK, N.Y. – Merck & Co. is asking a judge to delay the first wrongful death trial over its pain reliever Vioxx, saying it cannot receive a fair trial if the Texas case begins next week as scheduled.

The company wants the trial postponed for at least 60 days, citing recent publicity about the drug. Merck withdrew the drug in September when research showed that patients who took it for 18 months or longer more than doubled their risk for heart attack and stroke. Since then, more than 2,400 Vioxx lawsuits have been filed nationwide.

A hearing on Merck’s motion is slated today in Wharton, Texas, said Mark Lanier, a Houston attorney for a woman suing Merck over her husband’s 2001 death. Mr. Lanier said he will oppose a delay.

In the motion, which was filed Friday, Merck said a lawsuit brought Thursday by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott seeking $250 million in damages for Vioxx purchases has “effectively eliminated any possibility Merck can receive a fair trial beginning July 11.”

“The timing of the [state] lawsuit is hardly a coincidence,” said Merck’s motion.

The filing also said a story in the “national media” which cited a privileged attorney-client communication could prejudice a jury against it. The Associated Press reported June 22 that Merck scientists had contacted company attorneys in 2000 about reformulating Vioxx over concerns it could cause negative cardiovascular side effects.

Mr. Lanier said Monday that Merck had signed an agreement with him in May not to postpone the trial for any reason other than the health of the lead attorneys.

Bob Kraft

I am a Dallas, Texas lawyer who has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients since 1971 in the areas of Personal Injury law and Social Security Disability.

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The title of this blog reflects my attitude toward those government agencies and insurance companies that routinely mistreat injured or disabled people. As a Dallas, Texas lawyer, I've spent more than 45 years trying to help those poor folk, and I have been frustrated daily by the actions of the people on the other side of their claims. (Sorry if I offended you...)

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