Judge Dismisses Vioxx Action Seeking Default Judgment, Treble Damages

PENSACOLA, Fla. - A federal judge has dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction a plaintiff's action seeking a foreign default judgment of $300 million in damages against Merck & Co. Inc. for alleged Vioxx-related medical problems. Mock v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 3:06-mc-1 (N.D. Fla.).

Judge M. Casey Rodgers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida ordered the case dismissed on July 27, having adopted the June 27 report and recommendation of Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy.

The judges found that pro se plaintiff Edward Lee Mock of Pensacola, Fla., failed to establish a …