Goodman Firm Blawg

Is Time Running Out for Merck?

A Federal Jury in New Orleans has ruled against Merck as the maker of Vioxx and ordered the company to pay $51 million to a retired FBI agent who suffered a heart attack after taking the drug. This post on the Wall Street Journal law blog raises the question of whether the passage of time favors Plaintiffs in mass tort litigation. I tend to agree with Texas trial lawyer, Mark Lanier, who is of the opinion that the passage of time helps develop information that erodes the base defense for companies like Merck.

Update on the Texas Vioxx Trial

Vioxx trial

Jury Selection to Begin In Texas Vioxx Trial

Vioxx Trial

Does Viagra Cause Blindness?

According to the drug's maker, Pfizer, it does not. But there have been several recent reports of ocular problems experienced by men taking the drug. I think the jury is still out on this one.

Texas Passes Law to Limit Asbestos Litigation

Texas has signed into law new rules regarding who may bring suits for damages over asbestos exposure. The law requires plaintiffs to show a "legitimate illness or impairment" which will be determined by pulmonary function tests. Opponents to the law argued that the Courts and not the Legislature should decide which claims are legitimate.