Abbott Laboratories Ordered to Pay Nearly $500 Million
A St. Louis jury has ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay nearly $500 million in damages over allegations that its preterm newborn formula
A St. Louis jury has called Abbott Laboratories to pay almost $500 million in damages over allegations that its premature-infant formula, Similac Special Care 24, can cause a potentially fatal bowel disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
The verdict results from the first case against the company to go to trial, among more than 1,000 similar claims.
Jury’s Decision on Abbott:
The jury awarded $95 million to compensate the family for their losses and an additional $400 million in punitive damages.
The case was brought on behalf of a premature baby girl, Robynn Gill, who allegedly developed NEC and suffered severe brain damage after being fed Abbott’s formula.
The lawsuit claimed that Abbott failed to warn families and physicians about the risks associated with their cow’s milk-based formula, which the company denies.
Abbott Response to The Issue:
In response to the verdict, Abbott’s spokesperson, Scott Stoffel, stated that the company “strongly disagreed” with the decision and noted that it was not unanimous. Abbott plans to “pursue all avenues to overturn the erroneous decision.”
The company contends that no scientific evidence links their preterm infant products to NEC. It maintains that their formula is part of the standard care recommended by the medical community.
Background and Implications:
The case is part of a larger wave of litigation against formula makers, including a recent verdict in March where an Illinois jury ordered Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc to pay $60 million to a family whose premature baby died after consuming the company’s cow’s milk-based product.
This series of lawsuits highlights the growing scrutiny and legal challenges facing companies in the infant formula industry, particularly regarding the safety of cow’s milk-based formulas for premature infants.
Abbott’s case and similar lawsuits are likely to have significant importance for the company and the broader industry, potentially leading to changes in product labeling and consumer information.
