Families of babies born prematurely often face extensive medical records, complicated feeding histories, and uncertain long-term care needs after an NEC diagnosis.
Our NEC lawyers investigate whether Similac products manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson’s Enfamil formula, or another cow’s milk-based product was administered before the child developed the condition.
NEC cases require more than proof of a diagnosis.
Attorneys must evaluate the child’s gestational age, birth weight, feeding schedule, NEC risk factors, treatment, surgeries, and permanent complications while building claims against infant formula manufacturers.
Our attorneys assist families by:
- Reviewing medical and feeding records: We examine NICU records, feeding logs, product names, caloric formulations, imaging, operative reports, and pathology records.
- Identifying the responsible companies: We determine whether Abbott Laboratories or Mead Johnson may be named based on the products administered.
- Working with medical experts: We consult with neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, and other specialists to evaluate the child’s diagnosis and injuries.
- Preserving critical evidence: We collect records documenting formula use, NEC treatment, intestinal surgery, developmental impairments, and future medical needs.
- Assessing damages: We review past medical expenses, projected care costs, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other losses permitted under applicable state law.
- Filing in the appropriate court: We determine whether the claim should proceed in federal NEC litigation or through an individual state-court lawsuit.
- Preparing each case for resolution: We develop the evidence needed for pretrial motions, settlement discussions, and trial rather than relying on the outcome of another family’s case.
- Keeping families informed: We explain major developments, deadlines, and decisions throughout the legal process.
Each claim depends on the child’s individual medical history and the evidence connecting a formula product to the alleged harm.
TorHoerman Law prepares NEC cases for the possibility of trial while helping families understand what to expect at every stage.
TorHoerman Law Obtains $495 Million Verdict Against Abbott Laboratories in Premature Infant Formula Trial
TorHoerman Law obtained a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories in a Missouri state-court case involving Similac preterm infant formula.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Margo Gill, whose daughter Robynn developed NEC after receiving the cow’s milk-based product in a NICU and suffered permanent injuries requiring lifelong care.
The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages.
In May 2026, the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld the full verdict, although Abbott has continued seeking further appellate review.
This case highlights the dedication and expertise of TorHoerman Law in holding major corporations accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions result in severe harm to vulnerable premature infants and low birth weight babies.
Our firm’s success in this trial reflects our deep commitment to seeking justice for families devastated by NEC and ensures that the voices of those impacted are heard.
As Abbott faces ongoing legal challenges, this verdict serves as a pivotal moment in the broader litigation against baby formula manufacturers.
Meet TorHoerman Law’s NEC Trial Team
TorHoerman Law’s NEC litigation is handled by attorneys with experience in product liability, scientific evidence, mass tort coordination, and jury trials.
The firm’s trial team obtained a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories on behalf of Margo Gill and her daughter Robynn, including $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages.
Our team of attorneys handling NEC lawsuits includes:
- Jake Plattenberger, Partner and Lead Trial Counsel: Jake served as lead trial counsel in Gill v. Abbott Laboratories. His practice focuses on trying complex product liability, toxic exposure, and catastrophic injury cases, and he has tried more than 40 cases to verdict in state and federal courts.
- Tor Hoerman, Founder and Trial Attorney: Tor served as lead trial counsel alongside Jake Plattenberger in the Gill case and helped direct the legal strategy that resulted in the $495 million verdict. He has more than 35 years of experience handling product liability and other high-stakes litigation against major corporations.
- Chad Finley, Head of Litigation and Partner: Chad was part of the legal team credited with obtaining the Gill verdict and helps oversee the development of complex litigation at TorHoerman Law. His work in NEC cases includes coordinating litigation strategy and evaluating the medical, scientific, and expert evidence needed to prepare claims for trial.
- Alexis Robinson, Attorney: Alexis was also a member of the legal team credited with the $495 million Gill verdict. Her work in the NEC litigation includes supporting pretrial coordination, expert scheduling, case preparation, and the logistics required to move individual claims toward trial.
The NEC trial team works with medical specialists, scientific experts, paralegals, and support staff to examine feeding records, identify the formula products administered, document the child’s injuries, and prepare each case for pretrial proceedings, settlement discussions, or trial.
Families work with a coordinated legal team rather than relying on a single attorney to manage every medical, evidentiary, and procedural issue involved in an NEC claim.
