Philadelphia Court Issues Order Designating Vioxx as Mass Tort

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania has joined California and New Jersey in recognizing Vioxx litigation as a mass tort and consolidating proceedings before a single judge in Philadelphia. In Re: Vioxx Litigation, No. 050400736 (Pa. Comm. Pls. Ct., Philadelphia Cty.).

An order was entered April 8 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by Judge William J. Manfredi, creating a mass tort program for Vioxx claims. Similar dockets have been established in Philadelphia for claims alleging injury caused by silica, diet drugs, Baycol and asbestos.

According to court records, there are approximately two dozen Vioxx claims pending in Philadelphia, although numerous claims …