Abbott Laboratories Lawsuit: The Case of Premature Baby’s Severe Illness
A Missouri jury ruled late Friday that Abbott Laboratories must pay $495 million in damages after a premature baby suffered severe gastrointestinal illness after consuming Abbott’s formula. This landmark case has raised significant concerns about the safety of infant formula products for premature babies.
The Legal Battle Unfolds
The lawsuit filed against Abbott and Mead Johnson in the north suburbs claims that their premature infant formula is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease. In a similar case against Mead Johnson, a jury awarded $60 million to a woman whose son died from NEC after consuming their premature infant formula.
A Tragic Outcome
Illinois resident Margo Gill sued Abbott after her daughter, Robynn Davis, developed NEC from consuming Abbott’s cow’s milk infant feeding products. Despite the risks associated with NEC, Abbott allegedly failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers of their products. As a result, Davis had to undergo extensive surgery and continues to suffer from long-term health issues.
The Impact on Premature Infants
Premature and low-birth-weight infants are at a higher risk for NEC, which can be life-threatening. The medical community recommends breastfeeding as a way to reduce the incidence of NEC in premature infants. However, formula feeding has been associated with a higher risk of NEC, as highlighted by the US Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Despite Abbott’s claims that there is no scientific evidence linking their products to NEC, this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with infant formula for premature babies. The verdict in this lawsuit will likely have far-reaching implications for future cases involving infant feeding products.
