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Merck Reports To Federal Court To Oversee $4.85 Billion Vioxx Settlement
On July 17, 2008, Merck & Co., Inc. reported to the federal court charged with overseeing the $4.85 billion Vioxx settlement that more than 97 percent of eligible claimants have enrolled in the program and that qualified claimants will begin to receive interim settlement payments in August 2008. The settlement is expected to resolve nearly 50,000 lawsuits filed by thousands of plaintiffs who suffered heart attacks and strokes while taking Vioxx. Partner Chris Seeger, one of the lead negotiators of the settlement for plaintiffs, noted: “This is a great day for the plaintiffs injured by Vioxx who will within weeks begin to receive compensation for their injuries. On a personal and professional level, I couldn’t be happier for my clients.”