Families often ask whether past NEC verdicts can tell them anything about their own situation. The honest answer is: no, not directly. Every case is unique, and no attorney can tell you in advance what your individual case may recover. But the public record of verdicts and rulings does tell a broader story about how juries have responded when the facts come out at trial — and that story is worth understanding.
Important note: Everything on this page is public-record news from specific, named cases. Nothing here is a prediction of what any individual case may or may not recover. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The only way to understand what options exist for your family is a free, confidential case review.
NEC Verdict Amounts So Far
Three major verdicts have established that juries are willing to award substantial damages in NEC cases:
Missouri State Court — July 2024
Jury found Abbott Laboratories liable for an infant’s NEC death after being fed Similac. Included $95M compensatory and $400M punitive damages. Abbott is appealing.
Illinois State Court — March 2024
First major plaintiff verdict in NEC litigation. Mead Johnson found negligent for failing to warn about Enfamil’s NEC risk. Infant died from NEC.
Connecticut — 2025
Awarded to parents of a premature baby who died after being rapidly fed cow’s milk–based formula. Also involved hospital negligence claims.
Categories of Damages in NEC Cases
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past & future)
- NICU and surgical costs
- Future care and therapy
- Lost earnings potential
- Funeral/burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
- Punish manufacturer misconduct
- Deter future wrongdoing
- Awarded in egregious cases
- $400M in Missouri verdict
- Varies by state law
Why There’s No Global Settlement Yet
As of March 2026, there is no global settlement in the NEC baby formula litigation. Here’s why — and what it means for families.
In mass tort litigation, global settlements typically emerge after defendants lose multiple jury trials and face mounting financial exposure. The bellwether trial process in MDL 3026 is still underway, with trials scheduled through 2027. Manufacturers are still testing their defenses, and the litigation hasn’t yet reached the critical mass of jury verdicts that usually triggers settlement negotiations.
However, the public-record trajectory has been notable. Multiple plaintiff verdicts have been entered on appeal-bond review, the only defense verdict to date was overturned, and the federal MDL caseload has continued to grow — all of which historically increases pressure on manufacturers to negotiate.
What this means for you: Filing now positions your case to benefit from any future settlement while preserving your right to go to trial if that produces a better outcome for your family.
Steps That Help Protect a Case
Act on Deadlines
Every state has a statute of limitations that controls how long a family has to file a case. Talking to an attorney early makes sure the clock isn’t missed and that evidence is preserved while records are still accessible.
Preserve All Records
NICU records, discharge summaries, billing records, and any documentation of your baby’s care are critical evidence. Request and keep copies of everything. Our team can help with records requests as part of the free review.
Work with Attorneys Who Know NEC
NEC litigation requires specialized knowledge of neonatal medicine, product liability, and mass tort strategy. The case is built around proving how the formula caused the injury — that takes both legal and medical expertise.
Identify Every Party Who May Share Responsibility
A strong case doesn’t stop at the formula manufacturer. If a hospital was also negligent — by ignoring published risks, skipping documented feeding protocols, or failing to respond to early NEC signs — that can be part of the case too. See our pages on hospital negligence and NICU standard of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest NEC lawsuit verdict on the public record?
The largest reported verdict to date is $495 million, awarded by a Missouri state-court jury in July 2024 against Abbott Laboratories (maker of Similac). It included $95M in compensatory damages and $400M in punitive damages. Abbott has appealed. This is public-record news, not a prediction of what any other case may or may not recover.
Is there a global NEC settlement?
No. As of 2026, there is no global settlement. Cases are being tried individually in state courts and through bellwether trials in federal MDL 3026. Multiple bellwether trials are scheduled through 2027.
What is a bellwether trial?
A bellwether trial is a test case selected from a large group of similar claims to be tried first. The outcomes of bellwether trials help both sides understand how juries view the evidence, which often informs later settlement negotiations across the entire litigation. For a closer look at the NEC bellwether process, see our bellwether trials page.
Can past verdicts tell me what my case is worth?
No. Every case is unique. Publicly reported verdicts are news facts about specific cases with specific facts. They do not tell any individual family what their own case may or may not recover. The only way to understand your situation is a free, confidential case review with an attorney who can evaluate your medical records and circumstances.
Find Out If Your Family Has a Case
Every case is different. The only way to understand your family’s legal options is a free, confidential case review.