Abbott Laboratories was ordered by a jury to pay almost $500 million (R9.2 billion) over allegations that it hid the risk that its premature-infant formula can cause a potentially fatal bowel disease, according to lawyers for the mother who won the first case against the company to go to trial.
Jurors in state court in St. Louis, US on Friday awarded $95 million to compensate the family for its losses and $400 million in punitive damages, according to Tor Hoerman, the lead lawyer for the plaintiff.
An Abbott spokesman said the company "strongly disagreed" with the verdict and noted that it was not unanimous. "We will pursue all avenues to have the erroneous decision overturned," Scott Stoffel said in an emailed statement.
Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated
Thank you for subscribing!
Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated
Thank you for subscribing!
