Profiles of Chris Seeger and Mike Humeston
After a relatively unknown Texas attorney, Mark Lanier, defeated Merck last month, all eyes are now focused on Chris Seeger, who along with David Buchanan, are taking on the drug giant in the second Vioxx trial.
Seeger will be representing an ex-marine (twice decorated Vietnam veteran) Frederick “Mike” Humeston. Fortunately for Humeston, he did not die as Robert Ernst and 60,000 other Americans did after taking Vioxx.
Seeger has assumed a very important role in Vioxx litigation since plaintiffs lawyers unanimously selected Seeger to co-lead the federal Vioxx Litigation MDL and, on April 8, 2005, Judge Eldon Fallon affirmed that choice by appointing him to co-lead the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and to be one of only three members of the Executive Committee. He was also appointed as Liaison Counsel and Co-lead Counsel for New Jersey’s Vioxx Litigation. So this trial is a good opportunity to practice in front of powerful lawyers that are representing Merck.
Seeger is not a dedicated pharma attorney. Indeed he has dealt with cases related to drugs like Zyprexa, Rezulin, PPA, and Ephedra but none of these lawsuits have the magnitude of Vioxx. Of course, one case stands out. He won a $690 million settlement from Eli Lilly & Co. for patients who claimed they developed diabetes or gained weight while taking Zyprexa.
As opening arguments begin this week, and Merck continues to be ill-prepared for this trial, it will not be easy to make a war hero look like someone who files frivolous lawsuits. We are watching the trial as it unfolds and will bring you up to date coverage.
Recommended article: Merck expected to lose Vioxx class action lawsuit in New Jersey
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