Abbott Laboratories Hit with $70M Verdict in Infant Formula Lawsuit

Cook County jury finds company's cow-milk-based formula contributed to life-threatening condition in premature babies.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:36am

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A photorealistic studio still-life of a glass baby bottle filled with a cloudy liquid, lit dramatically to highlight the premium materials and convey a sense of corporate opacity and legal scrutiny.A high-stakes legal battle over the safety of infant formula exposes the industry's opacity around potential health risks.Chicago Today

A Cook County jury has awarded $70 million in damages to four families who sued Abbott Laboratories, finding the company's Similac infant formula contributed to a severe and potentially deadly intestinal condition in premature infants. The jury awarded $53 million in actual damages and an additional $17 million in punitive damages, concluding that Abbott was aware of the risks but failed to warn consumers.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing number of lawsuits nationwide targeting major infant formula manufacturers over alleged links between cow's-milk-based products and necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies. The verdict puts pressure on Abbott and the industry to be more transparent about potential health risks.

The details

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of four families whose premature infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis after being fed Abbott's Similac formula in intensive care. Attorneys argued that Abbott knew its cow's-milk-based formula increased the risk of this condition but failed to warn parents and healthcare providers. Necrotizing enterocolitis can require emergency surgery and carries a high risk of death in premature infants.

  • The jury awarded $53 million in actual damages on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The jury returned on Friday, April 11, 2026 to award an additional $17 million in punitive damages.

The players

Abbott Laboratories

A major Illinois-based manufacturer of infant formula and other healthcare products, headquartered in Abbott Park north of Chicago.

Antonia Mendez

The plaintiff who filed the lawsuit on behalf of her minor child against Abbott Laboratories.

Sean Grimsley

The Denver-based attorney who represented the four families in the lawsuit against Abbott.

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What they’re saying

“We are gratified by the jury's liability and punitive damages verdicts. Hopefully Abbott will finally get the message that it needs to change its conduct and warn parents about the dangers of its product.”

— Sean Grimsley, Attorney for the plaintiffs

“This verdict reveals the truth that Abbott hid from the public: cow's-milk-based baby formula causes NEC in premature infants. No amount of money can help these families recover from this terrible disease, but today's verdict provides a measure of justice.”

— Sean Grimsley, Attorney for the plaintiffs

What’s next

Attorneys for Abbott Laboratories did not respond to requests for comment, but the company is expected to appeal the verdict.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny facing major infant formula manufacturers over potential health risks associated with their products. The substantial damages awarded by the jury send a strong message that companies must be more transparent about safety concerns, especially when it comes to vulnerable premature infants.