Mr Peterson, 59, sued Merck, claiming he was no longer able to work because of the heart attack.
Judge Jessup found Vioxx was "not of merchantable quality" and was not fit for the purpose of arthritic relief.
The law firm said it already knew of 500 Australians who could make similar claims and believes there are hundreds more, which could cost Merck up to $300 million.
Mr Peterson, from Langwarrin, south-east of Melbourne, said he would continue to seek justice for others affected by the drug.
"I am part of this team and I am going to stay part of this team until we fight it, until we win for everyone," he said.
Slater and Gordon, which fought the case on a "no win, no fee" basis, said finalisation of the matter would not be straightforward and it did not expect there would be any material impact on its fiscal 2010 results.
The company's benchmark internal rate of return on the funds invested in major litigation actions is 25 per cent.
"It is not possible at this early stage to determine the financial impact to the company of a successful resolution of these proceedings," the company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
So far, $4 million worth of work in progress had been recognised in Slater and Gordon's half year accounts to February 28 in relation to the matter, the law firm said.
As well, about $3 million in disbursements had been paid on behalf of the firm's clients.
Slater and Gordon reported a half-year 2010 net profit of $9.48 million, up 12 per cent on the previous corresponding period.
The company's deputy chairman, Peter Gordon, described the win as one of the best of his career.
"This is truly one for the true believers," he said.
"This is truly a victory for the ages, a victory for justice, the sort of victory you don't see in Australian courts everyday."
The judgement follows five years of litigation and a 48-day trial.More
No comments:
Post a Comment