(888) 508-6752

TorHoerman Law Obtains $495 Million NEC Verdict as Lead Counsel in Infant Formula NEC Trial Against Abbott Laboratories

4.9
Google
•
705 reviews

Margo Gill vs. Abbott Laboratories

TorHoerman Law obtained a landmark $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories following a lawsuit brought by the Gill family concerning infant formula for premature babies.

The case, Margo Gill vs. Abbott Laboratories, centered on claims that Abbott’s formula increased the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

NEC is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants, leading to inflammation and bacterial infection in the intestines.

The disease can cause the death of intestinal tissue and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

TorHoerman Law represented Margo Gill and her daughter in the trial against Abbott Laboratories, with attorney Jake Plattenberger arguing that Abbott was aware of the risks but failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions to prevent harm.

495 Million Verdict Obtained by TorHoerman Law as Lead Counsel in Infant Formula NEC Trial Against Abbott Laboratories; NEC Bellwether Cases; Our Lawyers are Accepting New Clients for the NEC Lawsuit

Margo is the mother of Robynn, a young girl who tragically developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being given Abbott’s baby formula as a premature infant.

Internal documents from Abbott, revealed in the trial, showed the company knew as early as 2009 that NEC has a significant formula feeding component.

Despite having knowledge that premature babies are at an increased risk of developing NEC when given cow’s milk formula, Abbott did not provide parents of NICU babies any information regarding the risk, incidence, or severity of NEC for babies on formula versus human milk.

The company admitted this in the trial.

Robynn, now almost three years old, had approximately 75 percent of her intestine removed following her NEC diagnosis, and suffered brain damage.

She will need intensive care for the rest of her life, and this verdict will provide the necessary financial support to cover her extensive medical and care needs.

On July 26, 2024, the jury delivered its verdict, holding Abbott accountable and liable to pay compensatory damages of $95 million and punitive damages of $400 million. 

Attorney Tor Hoerman said:

“Justice was served for Margo Gill and her daughter Robynn, who suffered severe, irreversible brain damage due to Abbott’s misconduct… Abbott has known for years that its cow’s milk-based formula significantly increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies, and families like the Gills had their lives changed forever due to the company’s refusal to warn families and physicians.”

Jake Plattenberger served as lead trial counsel along with Tor Hoerman, aided by the counsel of many other attorneys and experts across the bar.

TorHoerman Law represents more than 800 families that have been devastated by NEC due to misconduct of formula manufacturers, and we are committed to obtaining justice for all of them.

NEC Bellwether Cases and Trial Results

NEC baby formula lawsuits have produced different outcomes in state and federal courts.

The Gill case resulted in a $495 million Missouri jury verdict against Abbott Laboratories in July 2024. Abbott later reached an agreement resolving the Gill case in August 2026 as part of a broader settlement involving approximately 2,000 additional NEC claims.

A separate Illinois jury awarded $60 million against Mead Johnson in 2024, but the Illinois Appellate Court reversed that judgment in June 2026 and returned the case to the trial court for further proceedings.

In August 2026, the first federal NEC bellwether case to reach a jury resulted in a defense verdict for Mead Johnson. Other federal cases involving Abbott were resolved on summary judgment before reaching a jury.

These results reflect the case-specific nature of NEC litigation, with outcomes depending on the evidence, applicable law, medical history, feeding records, and allegations presented in each lawsuit.

Our Lawyers are Accepting New Clients for the NEC Lawsuit

TorHoerman Law is committed to advocating for the rights of individuals harmed by negligent corporate practices, ensuring that justice is served and that such incidents are prevented in the future.

Our NEC Lawyers are still accepting new cases for the mass tort litigation against major infant formula manufacturers.

Parents of children who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed cow’s milk-based formula may be eligible to take legal action against manufacturers.

NEC Bellwether Cases; Our Lawyers are Accepting New Clients for the NEC Lawsuit

Contact our law firm for a free consultation to see if you qualify for filing a Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Published by:
Share
Picture of Tor Hoerman
Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman has represented injured individuals for more than 30 years, with experience spanning individual personal injury cases and nationwide mass tort litigation. His work includes car accidents, catastrophic injuries, product liability claims, and other serious injury cases. Tor has served in court-appointed leadership roles in national litigation and tried cases involving major corporate defendants.

TorHoerman Law’s legal content is researched and written by our editorial team and attorneys for legal accuracy, clarity, and relevance. We rely on statutes, court records, government publications, medical research, and other authoritative sources when applicable. This page provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice.

TorHoerman Law reviews its legal content for factual accuracy, current information, and relevant legal context before publication and as material developments occur. This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance about a specific case, contact TorHoerman Law.

Additional Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit resources on our website:
All
FAQs
Injuries & Conditions
Legal Help
Other Resources
Settlements & Compensation
News

You can learn more about this topic by visiting any of our Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit pages listed below:

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Payout & Settlements
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Statute of Limitations
Enfamil Lawsuit
Experienced Lawyers for NEC Lawsuits
Infant Formula Short Bowel Syndrome Lawsuit
Is There a Baby Formula NEC Class Action Lawsuit?
Jake Plattenberger Featured in New York Times Article on FDA Appointment
NEC Lawsuit: Common NEC Symptoms in Babies
Similac and Enfamil Lawsuit for NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis)
Similac Lawsuit
Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit
What Are the Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Qualifications & Criteria?
When Will The NEC Lawsuit Be Settled?
Who Qualifies for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Accepting ClientsMDL 3026
Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Facts
Defendants
  • Mead Johnson & Company
  • Abbott Laboratories (TorHoerman Law is NO LONGER accepting cases involving Abbott Laboratories)
Injuries named in lawsuit
  • Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
  • Intestinal damage
  • Surgical intervention
  • Long-term gastrointestinal issues
  • Systemic complications
  • Developmental impacts
You may qualify to file a claim if...
  • Your premature infant was fed cow's milk based formula in the NICU.
  • Your baby was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
  • NEC caused serious complications such as intestinal damage, long-term health problems, or death.
Most Recent Updates
  • A Missouri state court has overturned a defense verdict that favored baby formula manufacturers Abbott and Mead Johnson, ordering a new trial.
  • This ruling is a significant step forward for plaintiffs, especially following two previous victories in NEC trials.
  • In a past NEC Infant Formula Trial in the same court, the jury awarded $495 million. This case was tried by Jake Plattenberger of TorHoerman Law.
Have you or a loved one been injured?

A serious injury can change your life.

Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your rights, your case, and the legal options available to you.
Google
•
705 reviews
4.9
★★★★★
Recovered damages
$4 Billion+

Table of Contents

Guides & Resources
About TorHoerman Law

TorHoerman Law represents people whose lives have been disrupted by serious injuries, unsafe products, and negligence. Our attorneys handle individual personal injury cases as well as national mass tort lawsuits involving major corporations.

Founded in 2009, our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience handling serious injury and complex civil litigation.

Do you believe you’re entitled to compensation?

Use our Instant Case Evaluator to find out in as little as 60 seconds!

$495 Million
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

In this case, we obtained a verdict of $495 Million for our client’s child who was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis after consuming baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

$20 Million
Toxic Tort Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $20 Million for our client after they suffered a Toxic Tort Injury due to chemical exposure.

$103.8 Million
COX-2 Inhibitors Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $103.8 Million for our client after they suffered a COX-2 Inhibitors Injury.

$4 Million
Traumatic Brain Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $4 Million for our client after they suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury while at daycare.

$2.8 Million
Defective Heart Device

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $2.8 Million for our client after they suffered an injury due to a Defective Heart Device.

Other Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Resources

All
FAQs
Injuries & Conditions
Legal Help
Other Resources
Settlements & Compensation
News