Challenge filed to Merck's Vioxx Settlement

From: Associated Press

Lawyers for hundreds of people who sued Merck over its withdrawn painkiller Vioxx are challenging a key provision of a proposed $4.85 billion settlement.

The lawyers are based in Illinois and Missouri and represent about 2,600 plaintiffs. They are asking a federal judge in New Orleans to rule that portions of the settlement can't be enforced in all states because it prevents lawyers from giving clients their "independent professional advice."One of the attorneys says the legal team's request is similar to ones made in St. Clair County, Illinois, where there are about 60 cases against Merck.The deal is expected to end an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 state and federal lawsuits. However, at least 85% of plaintiffs in several different categories must agree to the deal before it can be completed.