Abbott Loses Appeal of $495 Million Verdict in Infant Formula Lawsuit

A Missouri appeals court has upheld a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories, stemming from allegations that the company’s cow’s milk-based infant formula contributed to a premature infant developing a severe and potentially fatal bowel disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This ruling reinforces the findings of a previous jury decision in 2024, which determined that Abbott’s formula was a significant factor in the infant’s health complications.

Alleged Link Between Infant Formula and NEC

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants. It is characterized by inflammation and death of intestinal tissue, which can lead to severe complications, including perforation of the intestines, sepsis, and even death. The condition is particularly prevalent among infants with low birth weights, and its incidence has raised alarms in the medical community regarding the safety of certain cow’s milk-based infant formula products, which have been linked to a greater risk of NEC.

The symptoms of NEC in pre-term infants can manifest as:

• Abdominal swelling
• Feeding intolerance
• Bloody stools
• Lethargy

If left untreated, NEC can lead to life-threatening complications, potentially requiring surgical intervention and long-term medical care. The emotional and financial toll on families affected by this condition can be profound, prompting many to seek legal recourse against formula manufacturers.

A Growing Number of Infant Formula Lawsuits

The recent appellate court ruling against Abbott is part of a broader trend of infant formula NEC lawsuits filed by parents who allege that cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Similac and Enfamil, caused their premature infants to develop NEC. These lawsuits argue that formula manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers associated with their products.

Parents and caregivers pursuing infant formula lawsuits against Abbott and other manufacturers claim that:

• Manufacturers did not provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks of NEC.
• The formulas were marketed as safe alternatives to breast milk without disclosing potential dangers.
• Had they been informed of the risks, they would have opted for human milk, which is believed to reduce the risk of NEC.

Recent Developments in the Abbott Infant Formula Lawsuit

In April 2026, a jury in Cook County, Illinois, awarded $70 million to four families who alleged that their infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis after being fed Abbott’s Similac Special Care 24 formula products. The plaintiffs argued that Abbott failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential risk of NEC associated with its cow’s milk-based products, and the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, amounting to $53 million in compensatory damages and $17 million in punitive damages. 

This most recent court decision in Missouri stemmed from an infant formula trial that originally took place in 2024, in which the mother of a child who developed NEC after consuming Similac infant formula sued Abbott for negligent design, failure to warn, and strict liability. The trial court jury sided with the plaintiff, Margo Gill, and her daughter, Robynn, and awarded $495 million in damages, a verdict that Abbott appealed and the appellate court has now upheld. 

What Does This Mean for Families?

The upheld infant formula verdict against Abbott Laboratories is significant for several reasons. First, this ruling sets a precedent for future lawsuits against formula manufacturers, potentially increasing the number of claims filed by allegedly affected families. The court’s decision may also increase awareness among parents regarding the alleged risks associated with cow’s milk-based formulas, potentially prompting them to consider alternatives. Finally, the decision underscores the responsibility of manufacturers to provide clear and comprehensive warnings about the potential risks associated with their products.

Abbott Claims Infant Formula Products Are Safe

The appellate court’s decision to uphold the $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency in the marketing and safety of infant formula products. Formula manufacturers must prioritize the health and safety of premature infants by providing clear warnings and ensuring that their products meet the highest safety standards. 

Despite the growing number of infant formula lawsuits filed in courts across the country, Abbott Laboratories has consistently denied that its products cause NEC. The company maintains that its specialized formulas are essential nutritional options for infants when breast milk is unavailable and has stated that it will continue to appeal adverse trial verdicts. As more families come forward with claims against formula manufacturers, parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay informed about the potential risks associated with these cow’s milk-based formula products.