Getty & Mayo To Try Kentucky's First Vioxx Case

LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lexington-based law firm of Getty & Mayo today announced that it has filed the first Vioxx product liability case in the state of Kentucky since the drug's manufacturer, Merck, issued a worldwide recall of Vioxx last week. Getty & Mayo expects that more lawsuits will be filed as additional plaintiffs come forward.

In making the announcement, firm founder and partner, Richard Getty stated, "Our firm has a strong reputation for taking complex cases like this through to successful judgments here in Kentucky and elsewhere. In the past six months alone we have prevailed in three cases that awarded more than $44.5 million to deserving plaintiffs, and we believe we will successfully try this case on behalf of our clients as well."

At the root of the case are a series of recent studies that have led researchers to question the cardiovascular safety of Vioxx and other so called COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex, widely used to treat arthritis. One study, conducted by Merck itself, showed that people taking Vioxx had at least twice the risk of a heart attack or stroke as those who did not use the drug. And according to recent articles in major medical journals including the Lancet, Vioxx may also increase the risk of blood clots and kidney failure.

"It's ironic that a study conducted by the manufacturer of Vioxx, that was actually aimed at proving the drug's advantages in reducing certain forms of cancer, uncovered this significant health risk," noted Mason Miller, an attorney with Getty & Mayo. "The fact that Merck has pulled Vioxx from distribution worldwide is a clear warning sign of the danger of this drug. It is our intention to see that the rights of those who have been harmed here in Kentucky are protected," he said.

According to Mr. Getty, individuals who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, kidney problems or other cardiovascular problems while using Vioxx may have claims against Merck and may learn more about the lawsuit by calling Getty & Mayo.

Getty & Mayo, PLLC is a specialty law firm located in Lexington, Kentucky that practices exclusively in the area of complex litigation. In the past five years alone, Getty & Mayo has represented both plaintiffs and defendants from California to New York, and during that time has won jury verdicts well in excess of $50 million. Getty & Mayo may be contacted at 859-259-1900.

CONTACT: Steve Angelucci or Roger Rydell of Cornett Advertising,+1-859-281-5104