We are pleased to report that the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has now produced and designated MDL 3026 (IN RE: ABBOTT LABORATORIES, ET AL., PRETERM INFANT NUTRITION PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION) to the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois. The JPML noted in its April 8, 2022 Order that,” [b] y picking Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, we are picking a seasoned jurist who is skilled in the complexities of multidistrict litigation. We are positive that Judge Pallmeyer will guide this lawsuits on a sensible course to resolution.” We agree with the JPML.
Company Partner C. Andrew Childers asked the JPML to consolidate this litigation in the Northern District of Illinois in his JPML Reaction Brief, in addition to in his argument at the JPML’s March 31, 2022 hearing in New Orleans, LA. Andy even more asked the JPML to transfer the cases to a Judge with the capability to quickly move the MDL toward a resolution. We are positive that Chief Judge Pallmeyer is the ideal jurist to expeditiously move this lawsuits forward.
We are delighted for the next phase of this important lawsuits, and for the opportunity to assist numerous preterm infants and families that have struggled with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming Similac and/or Enfamil preterm infant formulas and/or fortifiers.
Per the JPML Order: “All actions can be anticipated to share factual questions occurring from accusations that cow’s milk-based infant formula products marketed under the Similac and Enfamil trademark name have a greater propensity to cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in babies born too soon than other, allegedly safer alternatives.”
The newly formed MDL 3026 will encompass all federal lawsuit declaring that preterm infants developed NEC after consuming preterm infant nutrition products made by Offenders Abbott Laboratories and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., along with Defendants Mead Johnson & & Business, LLC, and Mead Johnson Nutrition Company.
A copy of the Order creating MDL 3026 can be found here.