N.J. Judge: British Vioxx Plaintiffs Must Seek Damages in U.K. Courts

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Residents of the United Kingdom who claim their use of Vioxx caused personal injuries cannot seek compensation from Merck & Co. Inc. in New Jersey courts, a state judge ruled in dismissing the foreign complaints under forum non conveniens. In Re: Vioxx Litigation, Case No. 619 (N.J. Super Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

On Oct. 5, Judge Carol E. Higbee of Atlantic County's Superior Court granted Merck's motion to dismiss approximately 50 Vioxx cases, finding that the United Kingdom is an available and adequate alternative forum that would better satisfy both public and private interest factors.

The ruling …