Merck to Appeal $7.75M Verdict After Judge's Inaction Let Award Stand

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Merck & Co. Inc. will appeal a Texas jury's finding that the company was liable and must pay $7.75 million in the case of a 71-year-old man who suffered a fatal heart attack his family blamed on Vioxx, sources told HarrisMartin. Garza, et al. v. Evans, et al., No. DC-03-84 (Texas 229th Jud. Dist. Ct., Starr Cty.).

Counsel for Merck said the manufacturer intends to file by March 21 a notice of appeal to the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, Texas.

Merck had originally moved for a new trial after 229th Judicial District …