The parents of 13-day-old Willow Jade Dellaquila, who died after consuming contaminated formula, can proceed with their lawsuit against Abbott Nutrition. The bacteria, cronobacter sakazakii, was connected to her death and was discovered in a powdered formula called Similac Total Comfort. The shocking incident occurred back on Nov. 5, 2023. The child suffered from a stroke on the right side of her brain after consuming the formula, per the New York Post.
In 2022, Abbott had to close its Sturgis, Michigan facility due to significant contamination discovered amid inspections, following reports of infant deaths and illness linked to their products.
Cheyenne Ping, 25, and Christian Dellaquila, 26, the infant’s parents, were given the green light to sue Abbott. This was approved by a judge on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the couple attempted to join a lawsuit with two other families whose children also experienced major brain damage from cronobacter sakazakii in Similac Neosure. However, the judge ordered separate filings.
Each suit demands a $450,000 compensation for each family.
Willow consumed formula from the Sturgis plant, sold at Walmart, even after FDA oversight. While other newborns used formula from an Arizona plant, which also faced backlash. Abbott denies any link to infections.
“No sealed, distributed product from our facilities has tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and we don’t believe these claims have merit,”
said the company.
#Cliaue, what are your thoughts?
