John Curran

February 06, 2007 | Law.com

Six current or former employees at the Bennington State Office Building -- home to the district court, the state's attorney and various agencies -- have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a debilitating disease thought to be an immune system disorder. Others have a high rate of respiratory problems. While no toxic agent has been found, Vermont plans to vacate the "sick building" and move all 135 employees into trailers by the end of March. For now, visitors, clients and employees face potential exposure.

By John Curran

4 minute read

April 06, 2006 | The Legal Intelligencer

A jury found Merck & Co. liable yesterday for one of two former Vioxx users' heart attacks in a split verdict that awarded $4.5 million in damages to one of the plaintiffs.

By John Curran The Associated Press

4 minute read

February 27, 2006 | Corporate Counsel

Lawyers for Merck and two men suing the Vioxx maker have agreed to time limits on testimony and will use chess clocks -- activated manually, each time a witness takes the stand -- to keep track. When the trial begins March 6, plaintiffs lawyers will have 40 hours to present their cases, not including opening statements and closing arguments. Lawyers for Merck will get 35. With Merck vowing to fight, one by one, more than 9,600 suits filed in state and federal courts, many are looking to speed the process.

By John Curran

5 minute read

September 15, 2005 | Law.com

A trial in the first of about 2,475 Vioxx cases pending in New Jersey started Wednesday, with the defendant's lawyers blaming manufacturer Merck & Co. for the heart attack of a healthy, active Vietnam veteran who was stricken two months after his doctor prescribed the drug to relive pain from a war injury. The case is shaping up as a battle of the expert witnesses trying to simplify complicated medical evidence for the jury that will hear the case over the next four to six weeks.

By John Curran

4 minute read

September 15, 2005 | Corporate Counsel

A trial in the first of about 2,475 Vioxx cases pending in New Jersey started Wednesday, with the defendant's lawyers blaming manufacturer Merck & Co. for the heart attack of a healthy, active Vietnam veteran who was stricken two months after his doctor prescribed the drug to relive pain from a war injury. The case is shaping up as a battle of the expert witnesses trying to simplify complicated medical evidence for the jury that will hear the case over the next four to six weeks.

By John Curran

4 minute read

April 06, 2006 | Law.com

A jury found Merck & Co. liable on Wednesday for one of two former Vioxx users' heart attacks in a split verdict that awarded $4.5 million in damages to one of the plaintiffs and $45 to the other to compensate him for the cost of the medication. The jury found the company failed to adequately warn both men about the risk factors linking the painkiller to heart attacks and strokes, but said the drug was only a factor in one of the men's illnesses.

By John Curran

5 minute read

August 02, 2002 | The Legal Intelligencer

A 40-year-old laborer is on trial in New Jersey in a groundbreaking case experts say could clear the way for the prosecution of anyone who lets a drunken driver get behind the wheel.

By JOHN CURRAN Associated Press

4 minute read