Many issues will likely be addressed during the litigation of a Vioxx lawsuit. The extent of injuries sustained, the likelihood that any resulting injuries had alternate causes will likely be key issues addressed before the court. The level of Merck & Co.’s knowledge that Vioxx was prone to injure will also be of essential importance to determinations of liability.

Fortunately for those injured, the plaintiffs in these cases appear to have many of the facts on their side. Reports now indicate that Merck & Co., the pharmaceuticals giant responsible for Vioxx, knew or should have known that Vioxx was dangerously defective since as early as 2001, three years before it recalled the drug. Despite this knowledge, Merck continued to put patients at an increased at risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots as it appears to have downplayed, hid, and lied about the dangers of the drug for years. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that over 27,000 patients have suffered heart attacks or have died as a result of their use of Vioxx. If you or a loved one has taken Vioxx in any amount for any duration of time, an experienced attorney is essential to making sure that you know your legal rights. Statutes of limitations apply and it is important to act quickly so an effective investigation can occur before the filing of your Vioxx lawsuit.