A settlement was reached in the litigation, which resolves the litigation in its entirety. The claims deadline for filing a claim was August 19, 2013. The settlement has now concluded and all approved claims have been paid.
The Canada-Wide Vioxx Settlement Agreement was approved and enforced across Canada. Individuals who used Vioxx (or the estates of such individuals) and suffered either (i) a myocardial infarction, (ii) ischemic stroke or (iii) sudden cardiac death, may have been eligible for payment.
Vioxx was a prescription pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication approved for use to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea and acute pain. It was alleged that the use of this drug increased the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks (myocardial infarction), sudden cardiac death, or ischemic strokes.
Developments
Settlement amounts paid to primary claimants whose claims were prepared by a lawyer on their behalf will be sent directly to their lawyer. Derivative claimants’ funds will be sent to them directly.
For class members who have directly retained Siskinds, we will require some time to process the funds and prepare them for distribution. Assuming there is no appeal of the order granted by the Quebec court, you should be in receipt of your Settlement cheque by the end of June, 2016 – early July, 2016.