Vioxx attorneys soothe nerves of victims
Several readers have written to us asking for our recommendations on what to do next after a series of setbacks this week. Of course, the headlines this week have been devastating for Vioxx victims and those that have lost loved ones due to Vioxx. First, Merck started with an all-out attack on Vioxx victims. Apparently, the aggressive stance was adopted to send a strong message to Vioxx attorneys that they should not expect a cakewalk in Vioxx lawsuits.
The message was also directed at Wall Street analysts to demonstrate that Merck was in control and since it had made no provisions for the expected $38 billion Vioxx liabilities (some analysts now estimate that this number could be as high as $55 billion), the reason was that it would prevail in the lawsuits and would not have to pay anything. And it looks as if some clueless Wall Street analysts are buying into rosy picture presented by Raymond Gilmartin who is slowly taking Merck on a path of destruction. But maybe not, if President Bush has his way. The news that is coming out of the White House is that the United States may soon take away the rights of Americans to sue corporations when they kill or injure. Apparently the program is being positioned as a way to create jobs in the country.
But Vioxx attorneys are not discouraged. In their opinion, the aggressive stance taken by Merck is part of a PR campaign to discourage Vioxx victims. By sending a message that the fight will be tough and Merck can drag the cases through the courts for years/decades, Merck wants to discourage the poor and the elderly from coming forward and claim compensation. Merck's desperate attempts are understandable. (Related article: Americans scared after Vioxx recall)
According to Scott + Scott, LLC, a Connecticut-based law firm, "The deteriorating outlook of Merck is based in large part on Merck's difficulties over Vioxx. The Vioxx withdrawal has weighed heavily on the company, causing it to lose its AAA credit rating and prompting criminal and civil investigations, lawsuits, legal liability and congressional hearings."
Next steps for Vioxx victims
- Stop getting intimidated by either Merck or the Federal Government.
- Act fast. If you think you have been injured by Vioxx or have lost a loved one, work with a good Vioxx attorney. Here are tips on how to find a good Vioxx attorney and how to protect yourself from Vioxx scams.
- Be careful which law firm you work with. During last two weeks there has been a proliferation of websites that make unreasonable claims. Read tips to how to protect yourself from fraud related to Vioxx. These websites are typically found in a search. It is best to work with a law firm that advertises (that way you know it is the law firm itself and not some crook) and has a website that clearly lists who the Vioxx lawyers are, where do they work, how to contact them in person or by phone, and how will they work for you. Many other websites are simply trying to collect your information to sell it to telemarketers and junk mailers for possible fraud.
- If in doubt, you can contact us. We are an independent source of information on Vioxx and have no affiliation with any Vioxx lawyer.
Recommended article: Should you accept cash advance from a Vioxx attorney?
