Sabatini and Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law :: Newington :: Hartford :: Connecticut

 A New Jersey jury has awarded $47.5 million in damages to an Idaho postal worker and his wife after finding that Vioxx contributed to the plaintiff’s 2001 non-fatal heart attack and that Merck & Co. Inc. was reckless in promoting the now-withdrawn arthritis drug. Humeston v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. ATL-L-2272-03 (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.). The Atlantic County Superior Court jury returned the unanimous verdict on compensatory damages Monday morning after deliberating for approximately five hours. Jurors awarded Frederick ‘Mike’ Humeston $18 million in actual damages and gave $2 million to his wife.
After brief arguments on punitive damages, the jury deliberated further late in the day on Monday and assessed $27.5 million in punitive damages against Merck. The jury unanimously found that the manufacturer’s conduct and handling of Vioxx was ‘intentional and reckless.’

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against Walgreen Co. alleging that the pharmacy giant discriminated against thousands of black employees across the country including managers and pharmacists.  The lawsuit alleges that the pharmacy made store assignments based on race and gave black employees jobs in less-desirable locations.  Black employees were routinely assigned to poorer-performing stores which made them less likely to be promoted.  The lawsuit further alleges that black employees were paid less.  If you have been discriminated against due to your race while employed by Walgreen Co., please contact our lawyers so that your legal claims can be pursued.