Abbott Laboratories Held Liable for Premature Infant's Disease

A jury found that Abbott Laboratories' specialized formula caused a premature Illinois girl to develop a dangerous bowel disease, resulting in $95 million compensatory damages. The case in St. Louis, Missouri state court is the first of hundreds similar cases. Punitive damages are still under consideration.

A jury on Friday found that Abbott Laboratories' specialized formula for premature infants caused an Illinois girl to develop a dangerous bowel disease, ordering the healthcare company to pay $95 million in compensatory damages.

The verdict rendered by a St. Louis, Missouri state court marks the first trial against Abbott among hundreds of similar claims currently pending across the country. The jury, which delivered their decision on Friday, was observed through Courtroom View Network by Reuters. They will now deliberate on whether the girl's mother is entitled to punitive damages.

Reporting by Brendan Pierson and Dietrich Knauth in New York, and edited by Alexia Garamfalvi and Diane Craft.