Because of security concerns related to this extension, Department of Homeland Security will begin enrolling Visa Waiver Program travelers through US-VISIT program (U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) at all airports and seaports on September 30, 2004. Enrollment in US-VISIT allows United States to continue its international efforts to enhance border security, while facilitating legitimate travel. The US-VISIT system requires two digital index finger scans, and a digital photograph of traveler to verify his or her identity.

The grounds for filing a Vioxx stroke, heart attack, or sudden death litigation case are based on releasing and marketing Vioxx as a safe alternative for chronic pain. Vioxx and other NSAID (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) were not tested long-term to determine its patient safety factor. A few years passed before FDA advised Merck to properly post warnings on label. During that time-frame, thousands of doctors prescribed Vioxx to thousands of patients impervious to imminent health threat that lay ahead.

How much does a Vioxx lawsuit cost? --------- Most Vioxx law firms will accept clients on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee, unless and until there is a recovery. If nothing is recovered during your Vioxx lawsuit then client pays nothing. The contingent fee is based on a pre-agreed percentage of recovery depending on complexity and risks involved in your Vioxx case.

What’s difference between a Vioxx class action suit, individual litigation, and MDL (multi district litigation)? --------- In a Vioxx class action suit, individuals who have similar cases would be "joined together" in a "class" to prosecute their claims in a "more efficient" manner. This process begins when one person (or more) agrees to serve as class representative. This "class rep" is then subject to approval by court. There are a series of requirements that court reviews -- but most significantly, whether claims of "class rep" are typical of claims of other members of proposed class. The class representative is proceeding not only on his or her own behalf, but also on behalf of all others who are similarly situated. In this case, there is only ONE lawsuit, result of which binds all class members. In order to determine if class will receive fair and adequate representation, court will generally consider whether attorney for class has experience in handling class actions and/or claims similar to those of proposed class. In addition, court will determine whether there are any conflicts in interests of class members.

In individual Vioxx litigation, each person's lawyer prosecutes their case, apart from any other cases. If a lawyer has multiple clients, each client would receive individual attention and would have their own Vioxx lawsuit.