A recent court filing highlights a deeply concerning case involving a premature infant who suffered severe injuries after being fed cow's milk-based formula. The complaint, filed by Jamie Harrison in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 17, 2025, targets Abbott Laboratories, accusing them of negligence and failure to warn about the risks associated with their products.
The plaintiff, Jamie Harrison, acting as the parent and guardian of Kalise Dabney, claims that Abbott Laboratories' cow's milk-based infant formula caused her child to develop Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease. According to the complaint, Baby Kalise was born prematurely on September 14, 2022, and developed NEC after being fed Similac Milk-Based Products while in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The lawsuit accuses Abbott Laboratories of negligent conduct in designing, manufacturing, and marketing these products without adequate warnings about their potential dangers.
The complaint outlines extensive scientific evidence linking cow's milk-based formulas to higher rates of NEC in preterm infants. Studies dating back to 1990 have shown that such formulas significantly increase the risk of NEC compared to human milk. Despite this knowledge, Abbott Laboratories allegedly continued to market their products as safe alternatives to breast milk without proper warnings or instructions for use with preterm infants. The plaintiff argues that Abbott's actions were willful and malicious, prioritizing profit over safety.
Jamie Harrison seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for her child's injuries and emotional distress caused by Abbott's products. Additionally, she demands punitive damages to punish Abbott Laboratories for their alleged misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. The lawsuit also includes claims for loss of consortium and medical expenses incurred due to Baby Kalise's condition.
Representing Jamie Harrison is attorney Sara Papantonio from Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty, Buchanan, O’Brien, Barr & Mougey P.A., based in Pensacola, Florida. The case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-02774.