Filing a Vioxx lawsuit on your own against a billion dollar pharmaceutical company is nothing less than foolish. Vioxx suits are extremely complex and should not be handled by a novice. Merck will be represented by highly skilled lawyers who have been dealing with these claims far longer than you and have a detailed knowledge of the legal issues, the value of an injury claim, and know how to apply pressure. (See - What defenses are Merck, drug manufacturer, and/or my doctor likely to use in a
Vioxx lawsuit?) knows what parties can be sued; (2) knows the value of your claim and if it is worth pursing in court; (3) is further up the learning curve than you in knowing effective trial tactics and settlement possibilities; and (4) knows which court to file in, which judge or jury is more sympathetic (or more hostile to large companies) . For more information, visit Why can't I just handle my Vioxx lawsuit myself or negotiate with the drug company for a settlement without a Vioxx attorney? Or join a Vioxx class action?
Acting alone, you will be held to the same standards as the defense’s attorneys, who are trained to see and exploit any conceivable mistake. For example, if you miss a filing deadline , miss other potential defendants to sue, or say or write information in which you may unintentionally give away too many of your rights or get you into trouble, your changes of setting at the full amount you are entitled to, are seriously, if not irreparably, jeopardized . A really good Vioxx lawyer will point out the unique aspects of your claim, the tactics to maximize the settlement value of your case, and how to maneuver through the court system. (Click here - for a discussion on the types of Vioxx claim damages available in a Vioxx case.)
Most injury attorneys who take Vioxx cases work on a contingency fee basis. This means their fee is a percentage of the final court award or settlement that you receive – and if you receive nothing, the attorney gets nothing. The standard contingency fee is between 1/3 and 1/2 of the amount recovered. As with all agreements, these matters are negotiable between you and your attorney.