Vioxx trial decision expected soon

According to Mark Lanier, the attorney for Carol Ernst, she should be given about $40 million by Merck for causing the death of her husband. Robert Ernst, who died within a year of being married to Carol, succumbed to a heart attack allegedly caused by the painkiller Vioxx.

Merck has been accused of hiding the risks of the drug and promoting it aggressively. The drug was eventually recalled last year after reports of approximately 60,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries in the US alone. Since the recall, overwhelming evidence has emerged about Merck's unethical sales tactics.

Analysts expect that Merck will face approximately 100,000 plaintiffs in trials that will go on for years. While no good numbers are available on Merck's legal liabilities but the highest number reported is $38 billion.

The jury is deliberating the matter and did not come to a decision after a day of deliberations. However, an ex-juror, Raul Hernandex, is reported to have told the Houston Chronicle that he was convinced that Merck clearly exceeded the limits of drug marketing.

Recommended link: Complete coverage of Vioxx lawsuits