Abbott Laboratories to pay $70M in damages in infant formula lawsuit - Chicago Sun-Times

A Cook County jury has awarded $70 million to four families in a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, determining that the company’s Similac formula contributed to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal disease, in premature infants. Jurors initially awarded $53 million in actual damages and later added $17 million in punitive damages. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Sean Grimsley, expressed hope that Abbott would change its conduct and warn parents about the dangers of its product. NEC occurs when bacteria invade the intestinal lining, potentially leading to tissue death, perforation, and requiring emergency surgery.

Abbott Laboratories disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal, stating that the decision risks eliminating vital options for vulnerable infants. The company maintains the safety of its products and their crucial role in infant care, arguing that disregarding established science and regulations will make it difficult to continue providing these medically necessary products in the United States. Abbott also noted that similar lawsuits have been dismissed in the past.

The lawsuit was brought by families whose infants developed NEC while being fed the formula in intensive care units. Attorneys argued that Abbott was aware of the increased risk of NEC associated with cow’s-milk-based formulas but failed to warn consumers or healthcare providers. This case is part of a growing number of lawsuits nationwide alleging links between cow’s-milk-based infant formula and NEC in premature infants.

(Source：Chicago Suntimes)