Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz crucial member of trial team responsible for $495 million jury verdict against Abbott Laboratories Pensacola, FL (July 26, 2024). – In a decisive courtroom victory, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO) served a crucial role on the trial team that secured a $495 million jury verdict for an Illinois child who developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous bowel disease, after ingesting Abbott Laboratories’ cow’s milk based formula for preterm infants.
AWKO attorney Sam Geisler stated: “With today’s verdict, the jury sent a powerful message to Abbott. Tell the truth about your preterm infant formula’s risks, especially when it involves such a deadly condition for such vulnerable patients.”
The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages. The verdict comes in the first trial against Abbott Laboratories out of hundreds of similar claims over the formula pending in courts around the country.
The trial team also included AWKO attorney Savannah Green, who played a crucial role in achieving this major victory for the victim.
As trial team members, Geisler and Green worked around the clock to address the scientific and medical challenges central to the the case. Their efforts included preparing plaintiff experts and developing effective cross examinations of defense experts.
Last March, Geisler worked in a similar role on the trial team representing another family whose preterm infant suffered NEC after ingesting Mead Johnson’s cow’s milk-based preterm formula. The jury granted the family $60 million, despite being asked for only $25 million.
Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLC is a law firm driven to protect the rights of consumers who are seriously injured as a result of defective products, defective medical devices, accidents, or other negligent behavior. Founded in 2001, this firm has represented over 250,000 clients across the country since its inception and has recovered over two billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.
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