Lack of Causation Evidence Leads to Merck's Award of Summary Judgment

HAMILTON, Ala. - Merck was awarded summary judgment in a Vioxx products liability case on April 14 after an Alabama Circuit Court Judge ruled that the plaintiff failed to provide expert testimony showing that his heart attack was caused by the arthritis drug. Holcomb v. Merck & Co. Inc. et al. No. CV-01-193 (Ala. Cir. Ct. Marion Cty.).

Marion County Circuit Court Judge Bobby D. Aderholt rendered his decision following oral arguments and dismissed James Roger Holcomb's claims with prejudice.

Holcomb sued Merck, Dr. Raj K. Sehgal and Caraway Methodist Health Systems, claiming that his use of Vioxx caused him …