Calif. Vioxx Trial Cases Named; Scheduled Meeting Off Calendar While Recusal Is Weighed

LOS ANGELES - Plaintiffs in the California Vioxx MDL have submitted the names of five personal injury cases, asking the judge overseeing the consolidated state court proceedings to enter an order setting them for trial. In Re: VIOXX® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

According to sources, the proposed order was submitted to Judge Peter D. Lichtman in February, but will not likely be ruled on until after it has been determined whether the judge will continue to preside over the California Vioxx docket. The State Court of Appeal is currently considering plaintiffs' motion to rehear …