Margo Gill v. Abbott Laboratories, et al.

Summary

In this bellwether product liability trial, plaintiff Margo Gill took her premature daughter to the neonatal intensive care unit, where the baby received Abbott’s Similac formula. This formula, based on cow's milk, allegedly causes necrotizing enterocolitis, which can lead to death of the baby’s colon tissue. Despite this, representatives for the plaintiff claim that Abbott has continued to sell their formula to hospitals. Gill’s daughter developed this condition, which she attributes to the Similac that was provided in the intensive care unit.

Defendant Abbott Laboratories disputes these claims and denies that cow’s milk formula causes necrotizing enterocolitis. Instead, they claim that complications from Gill’s daughter’s premature birth are the cause of the baby’s health issues. Before receiving the formula, the baby suffered hemorrhages and surgeries, along with a major hypoxic event. Representatives for the defense posit that these, rather than Similac, were the root causes.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.

Total damages: $495 million.
Including $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages.