LPETTET/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images A Chicago jury has ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay $53M in compensatory damages to a group of families that had accused the company that its premature infant formula caused a serious bowel disease. The verdict came on April 9, in state court, where the families alleged Abbott ( ABT ) knew its cow-milk-based formula for premature babies could cause NEC ...
LPETTET/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images A Chicago jury has ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay $53M in compensatory damages to a group of families that had accused the company that its premature infant formula caused a serious bowel disease. The verdict came on April 9, in state court, where the families alleged Abbott ( ABT ) knew its cow-milk-based formula for premature babies could cause NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) but marketed it to hospital NICUs without proper warnings. The four families’ lawsuits were consolidated for trial. The affected children, born in Chicago-area hospitals between 2012 and 2019, developed NEC but survived; some required surgery and continue to face long-term health issues. The global healthcare giant ( ABT ) has denied that its formula causes NEC, maintaining that its products are essential for premature infants when breast milk is unavailable. The verdict, first reported by the Chicago Tribune, highlighted that punitive damages were still to be decided , meaning total liability could rise beyond $53M. The jury is set to meet again on Friday to determine punitive damages. More on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories: A Dividend Aristocrat With A Compelling Valuation And Return Potential Abbott: A Brighter Investment Case Heading Into Q1 Earnings (Rating Upgrade) Abbott Laboratories Offers Long-Term Upside Despite Recent Stumbles Abbott eyes $20B bond sale to fund purchase of Exact Sciences - report Insider trades: Merck, Intel, Micron among notable names