A vioxx class action is a suit that is brought against Merck, the manufacturer of this drug, by a group of people that are suffering or have suffered ill health from taking the drug. A vioxx class action is classed as a civil proceeding, and entails one or more of the parties involved filing the complaint on behalf of all others involved as well as themselves. A class action is basically a mass lawsuit filed by a group of people that have suffered the same or very similar problems resulting from a product, which in this case would be vioxx. A vioxx class action would enable the group to seek compensation for their injuries in mass, rather than having to file individual lawsuits.
In a vioxx class action suit you can try and claim compensation for the injuries or ill health caused by taking vioxx. You can make a claim for loss of income, medical expenditure, and physical and mental pain and suffering caused by taking the drug. The vioxx class action settlement - which is the money paid out in compensation as a result of a vioxx class action suit - would then be shared between all parties in that particular class action proceeding.
There are good and bad points to filing as part of a vioxx class action suit rather than filing an individual claim for compensation due to ill health caused by taking vioxx. On the good side, filing as part of a vioxx class action suit is likely to cost you far less and can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. On the bad side, you could end up getting less in the way of compensation as part of a vioxx class action suit because the compensation has to be divided between all parties involved in the suit.
Vioxx is a cox-2 inhibitor, hailed in 1999 as a miracle drug when it was approved by the FDA. However, the drug was recalled from the US market in 30 th September 2004, following evidence that indicated that it dramatically increased the chances of heart attacks and strokes in patients to whom it was prescribed. This in itself is expected to spawn a vast number of lawsuits. However, the added allegations that have been made stating that Merck, the manufacturer of Vioxx, knew about the side effects years ago is likely to result in even more lawsuits - and if proved correct, will probably result in many successful lawsuits.
Those that have been taking Vioxx are advised to report any signs of ill health to their doctor, and to remain vigilant for any signs of side effects or health problems. They are also strongly advised to seek legal assistance, enabling a qualified lawyer to advise them accordingly. If you are considering filing a lawsuit for damages caused by vioxx, an experience lawyer will be able to advise whether a vioxx class action suit is in your best interests or whether you should focus on filing an individual suit.
Lawyers in the US and Canada have already started filing class action lawsuits against Merck and Company for consumer fraud, stating that the manufacturer marketed the drug as a safe and reliable painkiller even though it knew about the dangerous risks associated with the drug. Richard Getty, founder and partner of the law firm Getty & Mayo - one of the firms already filing a vioxx class action suit - stated: "In essence, you have a company that knew of significant risks and yet failed to clearly and effectively warn physicians and consumers. Adding some vague language to the labeling does not constitute adequate disclosure in our opinion, especially when Merck continued to invest over $100 million per year in advertising touting the benefits and safety of Vioxx."
