What Does $1.6 Million Mean to Merck?
The recent punitive damage award in the Vioxx case was $252 million. This amount will be reduced by Texas law to about $1.6 million. Punitive awards are in place as a punishment and deterrant. When federal and state legislation fails, civil trials hit companies for their malfeasance where they really feel it; their pocket books.
So what does $1.6 million mean to Merck? Very little. An excellent breakdown of Merck profits over the years can be found here.
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