Vioxx Death Trial Begins in Texas The first case involving an alleged Vioxx-related death started in a Texas courtroom this week. Jurors heard the opening arguments from lawyers representing drug maker Merck and the family of 59-year-old personal trainer and marathon runner Robert Ernst.

Merck Found Liable for Death in First Vioxx Case

A jury awards $253.4 million in damages in the nation's first Vioxx trial.

Vioxx Death Trial Begins in Texas

July 14, 200512:00 AM ET

Heard on All Things Considered

Snigdha Prakash

Vioxx Death Trial Begins in Texas

Listen

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4754599/4754600" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

The first case involving an alleged Vioxx-related death started in a Texas courtroom this week. Jurors heard the opening arguments from lawyers representing drug maker Merck and the family of 59-year-old personal trainer and marathon runner Robert Ernst.