Abbott Hit with $495 Million Verdict in NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit

A St. Louis jury issued a resounding verdict against Abbott Laboratories on Friday, ordering the pharmaceutical giant to pay $495 million in damages to a family whose infant daughter developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming Similac formula. 

Margo Gill filed the lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories on behalf of her daughter, Robynn Davis, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn parents and healthcare providers about the potential risks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) associated with their Similac formula. 

The lawsuit contended that Abbott was aware of the potential link between their product and this devastating condition, but concealed this information, contributing directly to Robynn's development of NEC and subsequent severe, irreversible brain damage.

The jury's award of $95 million in compensatory damages will cover the substantial medical expenses and lifelong care required for Robynn. The additional $400 million in punitive damages sends a clear message that the jury found Abbott's conduct to be reprehensible and deserving of severe punishment.

Abbott has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that NEC is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors. The company maintains that its formula is a vital nutritional source for many premature infants and intends to appeal the verdict.

Did your baby suffer NEC after using infant formula? Get a free case review to learn about your legal options. 

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What is NEC?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants. This devastating illness occurs when the intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and dies, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Symptoms of NEC can include poor feeding, abdominal distension, bloody stools, and lethargy. 

While the exact causes of NEC remain elusive, factors such as prematurity, low birth weight, and formula feeding are associated with increased risk.

Lawsuits surge as families seek justice for NEC-related injuries

This verdict is part of a growing trend of lawsuits targeting infant formula manufacturers over alleged connections to NEC. Nearly 1,000 lawsuits have been filed in federal or state courts against Abbott Laboratories (the maker of Similac) and/or Reckitt (the maker of Enfamil), with more than half of these lawsuits centralized in an Illinois federal court. Other lawsuits are pending in Illinois, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

The first NEC baby formula lawsuit to go to trial, against Reckitt in Illinois, ended with a $60 million jury verdict in March 2024. Reckitt is appealing that verdict and has argued that the plaintiff's case relied on unsound expert testimony.

Has your baby suffered from NEC after consuming Similac or another infant formula? You're not alone. A free case review with an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and potential for compensation. Don't let Abbott or other manufacturers escape accountability. Your child deserves justice.

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