Vioxx Attorneys Meet in Philadelphia

It must have looked like a scene from a John Grisham novel, 250 lawyers crowded into Philadelphia's Wyndham Hotel ballroom. All of them 'Vioxx lawyers' trying to figure out the best way to attack the 'Bank of Merck'.

Since the FDA recalled Vioxx, product liability lawfirms have been building lists of clients that had allegedly been harmed by Merck's pain killer medication. Meetings like the one held this week in Philadelphia allow the lawyers to discuss strategies, case law, the role of the FDA and the preparation of witnesses. With billions of dollars at stake - these are inportant meetings.

Many of the 'Vioxx lawyers' at this meeting believe they have strong cases against Merck. They can cite numerous studies that link Vioxx to increases in heart attack and stroke. They can also refer to a series of internal company communications that suggests Merck executives knew about Vioxx's dangers before the recall.

On the other side of this issue stands Merck. They insist that they want to try each of the cases separately and not as a class action. They believe that it will be hard to prove a direct link between taking Vioxx and suffering a heart attack. They say many of the Vioxx patients were older and therefore already at risk. Also, Merck executives say the internal communications have been taken out of context and that they have nothing to hide.

Vioxx Lawyers vs Corporate Giants

It's going to be an interesting battle. The 'Vioxx lawyers' against the huge corporation. With billions of dollars on the line, you have to think that somewhere John Grisham is watching very closely.

Editors note: John Grisham is the author of 'The King of Torts', which gives some unique insites into the legal profession the the system of class action lawsuits.

Related article:Can Vioxx Lawsuits be Won