TorHoerman Law Secures $495 Million Verdict in NEC Baby Formula Case Against Abbott

TorHoerman Law is proud to announce a significant legal victory in the case of Margo Gill v. Abbott Laboratories, et al.

A Missouri jury awarded our clients, Margo Gill and her daughter Robynn, $495 million in damages. The verdict includes $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages. The jury found Abbott liable on claims of negligent design, failure to warn, and strict liability.

This case centers around Robynn, a premature infant who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Abbott’s cow’s milk-based formula.

NEC is a life-threatening condition that primarily affects premature infants, causing severe intestinal damage.

Internal documents revealed during the trial showed that Abbott knew as early as 2009 that their formula could contribute to NEC but failed to inform parents or physicians of these risks.

As a result, Robynn suffered severe, irreversible brain damage, leading to spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She now requires lifelong intensive care.

“Justice was served for Margo Gill and her daughter Robynn, who suffered severe, irreversible brain damage due to Abbott’s misconduct. We thank the judge and jury for their diligent consideration in this case, and we will continue to hold Abbott accountable on behalf of the other families we represent,” stated Tor Hoerman.

This landmark case underscores our commitment to seeking justice for families affected by corporate negligence. TorHoerman Law will continue to advocate for those impacted by dangerous products.

If your child has suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis after being administered cow’s milk-based infant formula, you may be eligible to file an NEC Lawsuit and seek compensation. 

Reach out to the NEC Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.  

(THL Trial Update) On the first day of court proceedings in the St. Louis Baby Formula NEC trial, TorHoerman Law attorney-partner Jake Plattenberger presented a strong opening argument on behalf of the plaintiff.

The case, officially titled Margot Gill v. Abbott Laboratories, is a pivotal moment in the ongoing NEC litigation.

Unfortunately, proceedings were delayed yesterday due to a medical emergency involving a juror.

We wish the juror a swift recovery.

An alternate juror has been selected and the trial continues as scheduled.

This trial is critical as it addresses the serious health risks linked to cow milk-based baby formula.

The NEC lawsuit is ongoing as TorHoerman Law began trial today. 

(THL Trial Update) TorHoerman Law begins a crucial trial today, Monday July 8th, in Missouri state court, addressing claims that cow milk-based baby formula increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

The case, Margot Gill v. Abbott Laboratories, is heard by Judge Michael Noble in Missouri’s 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis.

This trial is a significant step forward in the ongoing NEC baby formula litigation.

If your child has suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis disease after being administered bovine-based formula, you may be eligible for an NEC baby formula lawsuit.

The NEC lawsuit continues to progress as TorHoerman Law is set to go to trial. 

(THL Trial Update) TorHoerman Law (THL) is set to begin a pivotal trial on July 8th in Missouri state court, focusing on allegations that cow milk-based baby formula is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous condition affecting premature infants.

This litigation involves allegations against Abbott Laboratories, contrasting the earlier case against Mead Johnson & Company, LLC.

Both companies have historically defended the safety of their formulas.

The case, officially titled Margot Gill, on behalf of herself and her minor child R.D. v. Abbott Laboratories, et al., case number 2322-CC01251, will be heard before Judge Michael Noble in Missouri’s 22nd Judicial Circuit in the City of St. Louis.

The trial is part of a series of bellwether trials, with thousands of similar cases pending and another major trial scheduled in federal multi-district litigation in early 2025.

This trial follows a prior case in Illinois where a jury awarded $60 million to a plaintiff whose premature infant tragically died from NEC after consuming cow milk-based formula.

The plaintiffs are supported by a team from TorHoerman Law and counsel from Stranch Jennings & Garvey PLLC.

Defense for Abbott Laboratories includes Winston & Strawn LLP’s Chicago office, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s Chicago and Los Angeles offices, and Jones Day’s Washington D.C. office, along with local Missouri counsel from HeplerBroom LLC and Thompson Coburn LLP.

The trial, expected to extend through most of July, promises to be a cornerstone case with significant implications for product liability law and neonatal care standards nationwide.

Contact the experienced baby formula lawyers from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit instantly.

The NEC lawsuit is ongoing and our Toxic Baby Formula lawyers are still accepting cases.

The Toxic Baby Formula NEC lawsuit involves claims that certain baby formulas are linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition in premature infants.

In June, there were 514 Toxic Baby Formula NEC lawsuit filings.

By July, this number increased to 534, reflecting growing awareness of the risks associated with toxic baby formula.

Toxic baby formula is claimed to increase the risk of NEC by inflaming and damaging the intestinal tissue, leading to severe complications such as infections, intestinal perforation, and even death in premature infants.

These serious health risks have prompted more families to join the Toxic Baby Formula NEC lawsuit.

Contact the experienced baby formula lawyers from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit instantly.

The Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit is ongoing, and individuals are still filing claims to join the litigation. 

A government oversight report has criticized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its delayed response to manufacturing problems at a Similac infant formula plant.

Despite receiving whistleblower complaints about the Michigan facility as early as February 2021, action was not taken until significant harm had occurred.

This inaction preceded a massive recall in February 2022, involving Alimentum, Elecare, and Similac formulas contaminated with Salmonella Newport and Cronobacter sakazakii, which resulted in infant deaths and numerous illnesses.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that the FDA’s policies were insufficient for managing risks associated with infant formula.

The report highlights that critical whistleblower complaints were mistakenly archived rather than escalated, causing a delay of over 15 months before the FDA addressed the issues at Abbott Laboratories’ facility.

The report outlined the FDA’s lack of authority to mandate adequate reporting from manufacturers on potential contaminations, which delayed the identification and response to the manufacturing issues.

In response, the OIG has recommended that the FDA enhance training on whistleblower policies, improve inspection procedures, and strengthen its recall authority to prevent future outbreaks.

This situation has led to more than 80 Similac food poisoning lawsuits filed by affected families.

These cases have been consolidated before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly in the Northern District of Illinois for coordinated pretrial proceedings.

These lawsuits are separate and distinct from the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits, although Similac products are also named in the NEC Lawsuit.

If your child or a loved one’s child consumed cow’s milk-based baby formulas and developed NEC as a result, contact us today for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our NEC Lawyers.

The Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit is ongoing, and individuals are still filing claims to join the litigation. 

One new plaintiff has filed a claim specifically against Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, alleging that its Enfamil infant formula contributed to the plaintiff’s child developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed the cow’s milk-based formula.

The complaint details that despite mounting research indicating a higher risk of NEC from cow’s milk-based formulas like Enfamil and Similac, Mead Johnson has not taken adequate steps to mitigate these risks.

Instead, the company continues to promote these products for use in premature infants.

The legal action joins a broader series of NEC infant formula lawsuits nationwide against both Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories, which produces Similac.

Both companies face accusations of prioritizing profits over consumer safety by not sufficiently informing families and medical professionals of the risks associated with their products.

According to the filing, the child was born prematurely in September 2007 and was administered Enfamil premature infant formula along with Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier.

Shortly after developing NEC, there were significant health complications and long-term effects, necessitating surgery.

Neither the mother nor her healthcare providers were warned about the heightened risk of NEC linked to these formulas, particularly in premature infants.

This lawsuit is part of over 500 similar claims consolidated under U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer in the Northern District of Illinois.

If your child or a loved one’s child consumed cow’s milk-based baby formulas and developed NEC as a result, contact us today for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our NEC Lawyers.

The Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The lawsuits concerning Toxic Baby Formula and NEC focus on claims that cow’s milk-based infant formulas contribute significantly to the development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, a serious gastrointestinal problem that can lead to severe health complications or death.

The number of case filings in the NEC Lawsuit increased from 496 in May to 514 in June.

NEC primarily affects premature infants, causing inflammation and necrosis in the intestines, which can lead to perforations, severe infection, and death.

Long-term complications for survivors include intestinal strictures, and short-gut syndrome, profoundly affecting their quality of life.

Scientific research highlighted in the NEC Lawsuit points to a strong correlation between cow’s milk-based infant formulas and increased risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Studies show that preterm infants fed exclusively on human milk-based diets had significantly lower rates of NEC compared to those who received cow’s milk-based formulas.

Families impacted by NEC due to toxic baby formulas are advised to consult with a toxic baby formula lawyer.

If your child or a loved one’s child has consumed cow’s milk-based infant formulas and developed NEC as a result, contact us today for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our NEC Lawyers.

The Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit is ongoing

A recent judicial directive in the NEC litigation has introduced verification protocols for lawsuits involving infant formulas, specifically targeting brands like Similac and Enfamil.

This mandate affects cases against formula manufacturers such as Mead Johnson, the producer of Enfamil.

Under the new order, plaintiffs are required to confirm the specific brand of formula—either Similac or Enfamil—allegedly linked to their claims.

For lawsuits naming Mead Johnson (Enfamil), plaintiffs must verify through hospital records or issue subpoenas to confirm that Enfamil was indeed consumed.

The judicial order specifies several critical steps for plaintiffs:

1. Plaintiffs must examine medical and feeding records to ascertain product usage before initiating legal action.
2. If the records are incomplete or do not detail the specific products used, plaintiffs’ attorneys are authorized to issue targeted subpoenas to healthcare providers to gather this requisite information.
3. Plaintiffs must furnish medical records and other pertinent documents within designated time frames.
4. In scenarios where a subpoena becomes necessary, it must be served within 21 to 30 days following the commencement of the lawsuit, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
5. Additionally, plaintiffs may request sales and contract details from Mead Johnson if the records indicate the usage of a formula product but fail to specify the manufacturer.

This order aims to streamline the process by ensuring that only substantiated claims proceed, reducing speculative litigation and focusing resources on genuine cases of harm linked to specific products.

If investigations reveal no evidence of Mead Johnson’s products being used, plaintiffs must dismiss Mead Johnson from the lawsuit or amend the complaint accordingly.

Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of the claims against Mead Johnson.

If your child has suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. 

Contact TorHoerman Law’s NEC Lawyers for a free consultation. 

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.

The NEC Lawsuit is ongoing. 

On May 13, 2024, a new NEC Lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

This lawsuit is targeted at cow’s milk-based formula, specifically Mead Johnson & Company, LLC and Mead Johnson Nutrition Company.

The plaintiff alleges that their premature infant, fed with Enfamil HMF 24, developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), leading to critical surgery.

This case stems from a diagnosis in 2006, and Mean Johnson is expected to use a statute of limitations defense to evade responsibility.

For families affected by similar circumstances, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial.

The time you have to file a NEC lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 2-3 years from the date of injury.

However, NEC cases often involve a “discovery rule,” which may extend the deadline based on when you discovered or should have discovered the link between the formula and NEC.

The Steps to file an NEC lawsuit include:

• Consultation: Consult with a NEC Baby Formula lawyer to assess your case and confirm eligibility.

• You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

• Gather Evidence: Compile all relevant evidence, including medical and product records.

• Filing a Lawsuit: Your lawyer will help prepare and file the necessary legal documents to initiate the lawsuit.

These formulas are often used in neonatal intensive care and have been implicated in several lawsuits.

The evidence needed in these lawsuits include:

• Medical Records: Documentation of your child’s NEC diagnosis and medical treatment is crucial, including hospital records showing administration of the formula and the subsequent medical response to NEC.

• Product Information: Evidence of the specific formula used, such as purchase receipts, hospital records, or product packaging.

• Expert Testimony: Statements from medical experts that establish a causal link between the formula consumed and the NEC developed can strengthen the case.

TorHoerman Law provides personal and confidential consultations to determine eligibility for filing a lawsuit.

We help families understand the implications of the statute of limitations and other potential challenges surrounding Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuits.

If your loved one has consumed cow’s milk-based infant formulas and developed NEC as a result, contact us today for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our NEC Lawyers.

A study published by researchers from Emory University has analyzed the impact of racial disparities and the lack of access to human milk on the incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants.

The study found that Black babies are 2.5 times more likely to succumb to NEC than their white counterparts.

According to a 2011 warning by the US Surgeon General, premature infants not breastfed are significantly more susceptible to developing NEC, a severe intestinal disease primarily affecting premature infants.

Despite the critical need, Georgia lacks a single donor breast milk bank, which is a considerable barrier to providing essential nutrition that could prevent this deadly condition.

This issue was highlighted in a recent NEC failure-to-warn lawsuit in Illinois, where formula manufacturer Mead Johnson was found liable for not adequately informing about the risks associated with its cow’s milk-based formula.

The jury awarded $60 million to the plaintiffs, setting a precedent for numerous similar cases.

The study’s revelations about racial disparities and NEC’s link to premature births among Black infants spotlight broader systemic issues, like access to healthcare and other factors that can contribute to these disparities.

Hospitals like Piedmont Healthcare and Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center have initiated donor milk programs, which have notably decreased NEC cases.

The absence of a local milk bank forces these institutions to rely on out-of-state donations, however, advocates have established MedMilk, aiming to create Georgia’s first milk bank.

If your child has suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.

The NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit is ongoing. 

A total of 496 NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits are pending in the MDL according to the most recent filings.

43 new cases were sent to the MDL in the past month.

NEC Lawsuits claim that cow’s milk-based baby formula increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

NEC is a serious gastrointestinal problem that can be fatal.

NEC Baby Formula trials are scheduled for this summer, and our law firm is representing families of children who were harmed by toxic baby formula.

A recent trial verdict awarded $60 million to a plaintiff whose premature baby developed NEC after being fed formula manufactured by Mead Johnson.

If a loved one has consumed cow’s milk-based infant formulas and has developed NEC as a result, contact us today for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our NEC Lawyers.  

A St. Clair County Jury reached a verdict in a groundbreaking case involving baby formula manufacturer Mead Johnson.

The jury held Mead Johnson liable and awarded the plaintiffs $60 million, surpassing the requested amount by $35 million.

The lawsuit alleged that Mead Johnson failed to adequately warn parents about the increased risk of NEC in premature infants fed their formula.

This trial, part of multidistrict litigation with over 330 similar lawsuits nationwide, started on February 20th and involved a Fairview Heights mother who lost one of her premature twin babies.

During closing arguments, attorneys presented conflicting opinions from neonatologists regarding the relationship between cow’s milk-based formula and NEC.

While all agreed that formula increases the risk, opinions varied on the extent of the risk.

The jury, after almost four weeks of testimony, deliberated for less than two hours before reaching a verdict.

Following the ruling, Mead Johnson expressed surprise and disappointment, emphasizing that their products offer vital nutrition for premature infants and asserting that the plaintiff’s claims lacked scientific support.

The company is evaluating options, including a possible appeal.

This case is part of a larger legal battle against Mead Johnson and Abbott, with numerous parents suing to advocate for changes in feeding practices for premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

The verdict specifically targeted Mead Johnson, as Abbott was not included in this lawsuit.

Research consistently indicates a higher likelihood of NEC in premature babies fed cow’s milk-based formulas, which are prevalent in the market.

If you or a loved one has a child affected by bovine-based formulas, call TorHoerman Law today to explore your legal options. 

Or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit instantly.

The NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) Infant Formula Multi-district Litigation (MDL) has seen a rise of 16 cases, from 389 in February to 405 in March.

The increase in legal actions underlines the growing apprehensions about the alleged link between toxic baby formula and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

The lawsuit claims that specific baby formulas, targeted towards premature infants, may increase the risk of NEC, a dangerous and often fatal intestinal condition.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is closely observing the steady rise in the number of cases, indicative of the escalating legal battle against the baby formula manufacturers.

These include giants of the industry like Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac, and Mead Johnson, maker of Enfamil.

The accusations include product liability, negligence, and failure to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with the use of their products.

If you believe your child has developed NEC due to the consumption of these formulas, you may be eligible to participate in the NEC Infant Formula lawsuit. 

For more information and a free consultation, contact TorHoerman Law.

The chatbot on this page is also available for immediate assistance and to help determine if you qualify for this lawsuit. 

The NEC Lawsuit is ongoing, and our law firm is still accepting new clients.

The first trial in the NEC Lawsuit is underway.

The plaintiff alleges that her son died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed exclusively with Mead Johnson’s Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal.

This case sheds light on the broader issues of racial disparities in neonatal care, as studies, including one co-authored by Dr. Ravi Patel in 2023, reveal Black premature infants face higher risks of NEC.

The NEC Lawsuit claims that Mead Johnson failed to warn parents about the NEC risks associated with their infant formula.

Several hundred NEC Lawsuits are currently consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL).

This trial is significant, as it not only addresses the immediate concerns surrounding infant formula risks but also calls into question the nutritional practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), the accessibility of donor human milk, and the financial motivations behind formula use in hospitals.

If your child developed NEC after consuming cow’s milk based formula, you may be eligible to file an NEC Lawsuit to seek compensation. 

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit instantly. 

The first trial against baby formula giants Mead Johnson and Abbott has begun in Belleville, setting a historic precedent in the legal scrutiny of infant formula manufacturers.

This trial is at the forefront of litigation, alleging that cow’s milk-based formulas substantially increase the risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.

NEC is a severe gastrointestinal disease that has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a leading cause of death in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), accounting for approximately 10% of NICU fatalities.

The lawsuit is anchored by the distressing experience of a mother from Fairview Heights, whose premature twins were born five weeks early in 2020, with each infant weighing slightly over 3 pounds.

The transition from donor human milk to a cow’s milk-based formula for one of the twins at Memorial Hospital Shiloh resulted in the development of NEC, casting a spotlight on the critical issue of how formula companies communicate the risks of NEC to parents.

This case is one among hundreds filed across the United States, accusing Mead Johnson and Abbott of not adequately warning about the heightened risk of NEC linked to their products.

The trial, anticipated to span four weeks, is a pivotal moment that could influence the resolution of numerous similar lawsuits.

If your child developed NEC after consuming cow’s milk based formula, you may be eligible to file an NEC Lawsuit to seek compensation. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit instantly. 

The NEC Lawsuit is ongoing, and our law firm is still accepting new clients.

Local St. Louis news station KSDK ran an in-depth story on the Leas family, who faced a traumatic experience when they learned that their premature twin, Sophia, was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

The couple was initially unaware of the condition and were cautioned against searching for information online due to its alarming nature.

They decided to investigate and found numerous studies linking NEC to cow’s milk-based formulas, which are commonly used in hospitals across the country.

The Leas family, along with thousands of other parents across the country, is now involved in the NEC Lawsuit filed against formula manufacturers Abbott and Mead Johnson.

NEC Lawsuits aim to change the way premature infants are fed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Over 330 lawsuits have been filed nationally, with a significant number combined into multidistrict litigation and the first trial scheduled for February 20th, 2024 in St. Clair County, Illinois.

Abbott and Mead Johnson have denied the allegations, stating that their products have been extensively researched and that these claims lack merit and disputing the scientific links between NEC and cow’s milk-based formula.

The Leas family’s experience, as well as their quest for answers, is reflected in the NEC Lawsuits.

Research cited in the NEC baby formula lawsuits highlights the increased risk of NEC in exclusively formula-fed babies compared to those who receive breast milk.

Some studies even suggest a 90% lower risk of surgical NEC for preemies fed an exclusively human milk-based diet.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Abbott in October 2023, stating that one of its formula products was marketed as a probiotic for preterm infants, which raised concerns about its safety and efficacy.

Alternative options for feeding preemies, such as human milk-based formulas like Prolacta, exist in some hospitals.

These products have shown promising results in reducing the risk of NEC.

If you or a loved one’s child was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis after using toxic baby formula, you may be eligible to file a NEC Lawsuit. 

Contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the NEC Lawsuit.