Judge Orders Law Firms to Steer Clear of Jurors in Jersey Vioxx Case

ATLANTIC CITY - The judge who presided over the recent Vioxx trial that ended in a verdict for defendant Merck has entered a post-trial order prohibiting counsel from contacting or interviewing jurors in the case. In Re: Vioxx® Litigation, Case No. 619 (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

Judge Carol E. Higbee of the Atlantic County Superior Court entered the order immediately following the verdict, which was rendered in Merck's favor nearly three months after a Texas jury found Merck liable in a similar Vioxx injury case and assessed more than $250 million in damages against the company.

In the case …