After a short hiatus, the Great Trials team is back in action! This week, Steve and Yvonne interview Jake Plattenberger and Alan Holcomb of TorHoerman Law about the high-stakes legal battle, Margo Gill vs. Abbott Laboratories. The case revolves around a $495 million verdict awarded to Margo Gill, representing her daughter Robynn Davis, who suffered catastrophic injuries from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Similac Special Care 24 formula by Abbott Labs. 

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Case Details:

Margo Gill’s premature infant daughter, Robynn Davis, was born on August 26, 2021, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after birth, doctors transferred Robynn to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, where she was fed Similac cow’s milk-based formula, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. After consuming these products, Robynn developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. As a result of NEC, Robynn required extensive surgery and now faces long-term health complications.

The complaint alleged that Abbott Laboratories, along with sales representatives Matthew McClure and Tara Todd, aggressively marketed their cow’s milk-based formula as safe for premature infants, despite being aware that it significantly increased the risk of NEC. It also claims Abbott failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks of NEC. Additionally, Abbott falsely promoted their formula as essential for the growth and development of preterm infants. (Source)

Guest Bios:

Jake Plattenberger

Since joining TorHoerman Law in 2009, Jacob Plattenberger has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five (35) cases to a jury. His experience in and out of the courtroom has made him a passionate advocate for those injured due to the negligence of others.

Jake started his career trying cases at one of the busiest civil courthouses in the country – the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago. He started out doing insurance defense because he knew that afforded him the best opportunity

“When I was working on the defense side, I always knew that I was going to be a plaintiff’s lawyer. I knew that being able and willing to try a case to a jury was a skill that I needed to have if I was going to be able to offer my clients the best legal representation. Insurance companies and corporate defendants need to believe you when you say you will take them to trial – they need to fear that.”

This type of real trial experience is exceedingly rare in complex civil litigation and having seen it from the defense side gives Jake an added advantage.

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Alan Holcomb

Alan Holcomb brings over a decade of experience handling catastrophic injury cases to the team. Widely recognized for his legal advocacy and broad experience as a trial lawyer, Alan has handled cases in more than 20 states nationwide. 

Alan works on cases ranging from products liability, severe burn injuries, wrongful death, chemical exposure, car accidents, lung disease, negligent security, and more. He puts his diverse expertise to work for his clients every day, dedicating his life to representing the people.

After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, Alan received his juris doctorate from Emory University School of Law. Before forming Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak, Alan was an equity partner at one of the top insurance defense firms in the country, where he represented some of the largest companies in the world and acted as national coordinating counsel for a large chemical/flavor manufacturer. This experience taught Alan that he wanted to help equalize the power imbalance between well-funded corporations and consumers, leading him to a career fighting for the people as a plaintiff’s attorney.

Licensed in Georgia, California, Mississippi, and Ohio, Alan is determined to hold major corporations accountable. He relentlessly pursues justice, passionately advocating for his clients every step of the way.

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Links:

TorHoerman Law on Facebook: THLawyers

Check out previous episodes and meet the GTP Team: Great Trials Podcast

Show Sponsors:

Harris Lowry Manton LLP - hlmlawfirm.com

Free Resources:

Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 1

Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 2