Vioxx trial in New Jersey cleared to go ahead

Last week we had reported that Merck had filed a request for a delay in the trial of the lawsuit brought by Frederick M Humeston since it was afraid that due to a lot of negative publicity about the firm after it lost the lawsuit by Carol Ernst.

According to news reports, Judge Carol Higbee has rejected Merck's request. In other words, the trial will begin next month with the jury selection scheduled for September 12.

Everyone is closely watching this particular case since the company is based in New Jersey and it is expected the jury may be more lenient. The Texas jurors have been widely criticized for being too harsh on the company, slapping it with a quarter billion dollar payment (though it will eventually be reduced).

Since losing the case in Texas, as the number of lawsuits has rapidly grown, the company is already talking about settling some cases.

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