ST. LOUIS, Missouri — In a groundbreaking verdict on Friday, a Missouri state court ruled that Abbott Laboratories must pay $495 million in damages for the long-term injuries suffered by a girl who used their special formula designed for premature infants. The St. Louis jury determined that Abbott had prior knowledge of the formula’s risks but failed to adequately warn consumers that it could lead to a severe, potentially fatal intestinal condition.
The lawsuit was initiated by an Illinois mother, whose daughter was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed the formula. NEC predominantly affects premature infants, causing inflammation and bacteria to invade the wall of the intestine. Due to the disease, her daughter now faces a lifetime of medical care.
Abbott Laboratories has been ordered to compensate the mother with $95 million in compensatory damages for the medical costs and emotional distress, and an additional $400 million in punitive damages as a deterrent against future corporate negligence.
Although the jury’s decision was not unopposed, it reached the legal requirement with nine out of 12 jurors ruling in favor, surpassing the three-quarters threshold necessary in Missouri civil cases.
This case is reportedly the first among hundreds of pending lawsuits across the United(pdf), posing significant legal and financial implications for Abbott.
A company spokesperson highlighted the crucial role of specialized formulas in nurturing premature infants, stating that they remain vital despite the risks. It appears that hospitals will continue to use this type of formula, albeit accompanied now by stronger warnings.
This legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between the medical necessity of specialized infant formulas and the imperative for companies to fully disclose potential health risks associated with their use. As similar claims prepare to make their way through courts nationwide, the legal and medical communities will be closely monitoring the outcomes and subsequent impacts on public health protocols and corporate practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
As the case progresses through potential appeals or settlements, the broader implications for industry regulations and the transparency of product-related health risks will likely come into sharper focus. Parents, particularly those with premature infants, along with healthcare professionals, are urged to follow developments closely as they could influence feeding practices and regulatory frameworks in neonatal care.