FreeStyle Libre 3 Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Abbott Sold Defective Glucose Monitors

Abbott also faces a growing number of product liability lawsuits alleging defective FreeStyle Libre glucose monitors provided inaccurate readings that resulted in severe injuries.

Three consumers have filed a FreeStyle Libre 3 class action lawsuit alleging Abbott Laboratories knowingly sold defective continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that produced dangerously inaccurate low blood glucose readings.

The complaint (PDF) was brought in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on July 16 by Frances Crowe, David Pearlman and Louis Planera, who seek to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. They name Abbott Laboratories and Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. as defendants.

Plaintiffs claim Abbott marketed the CGMs as highly accurate alternatives to traditional finger-stick glucose testing while failing to disclose manufacturing defects that caused certain sensors to report falsely low glucose readings, potentially leading users to make dangerous treatment decisions.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Recalls

The FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus systems are wearable continuous glucose monitors that measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit readings to a smartphone or reader, allowing individuals with diabetes to make insulin dosing and other treatment decisions without frequent finger-stick blood tests.

However, Abbott initiated a medical device correction in November 2025 involving more than three million FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors manufactured on a single production line after determining they could provide inaccurate low glucose readings. At the time, the company acknowledged the defect had been linked to hundreds of serious adverse event reports and several deaths.

In January 2026, the FDA classified the action as a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious designation, warning that use of the affected sensors could result in serious injury or death.

In light of these concerns, a growing number of FreeStyle Libre lawsuits allege defective devices have provided inaccurate glucose readings that resulted in serious complications, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA is a medical emergency that develops when the body lacks enough insulin to properly use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins breaking down fat and producing acidic compounds known as ketones that accumulate in the bloodstream. Without prompt treatment, the condition can cause severe dehydration, organ damage, loss of consciousness and death.

FreeStyle Libre 3 Defect Allegations

According to the complaint, Abbott heavily promoted FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus devices as accurate, reliable and affordable, emphasizing that many users could eliminate routine finger pricks while relying on the sensors for diabetes management.

However, the lawsuit alleges the company failed to maintain adequate manufacturing quality controls, resulting in defective sensors that produced incorrectly low glucose readings. Plaintiffs claim those inaccurate readings could prompt users to consume unnecessary carbohydrates or delay insulin doses, creating a risk of hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and other serious complications.

The three named plaintiffs claim they purchased FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors after reviewing Abbott’s marketing materials, which promoted the devices as accurate enough to reduce or eliminate routine finger-stick testing. Each plaintiff states they relied on the glucose readings to make diabetes treatment decisions before learning the sensors had been recalled due to inaccurate low readings.

The lawsuit argues Abbott failed to directly notify at least two of the plaintiffs about the recall, forcing them to learn about the problem through other sources after purchasing and using the affected sensors.

Plaintiffs contend they would not have purchased the products, or would have paid substantially less for them, had Abbott disclosed the alleged manufacturing defects before the recall.

“Defendants expressly represented that the FreeStyle Sensors were reliable, accurate, and safe among other representations and warranties alleged herein. Such representations formed the basis of the Plaintiffs’ and Class Members’ decisions to purchase the FreeStyle Sensor and not to purchase traditional ‘finger prick’ monitors or other competing CGMs.”

— Frances Crowe et al. v. Abbott Laboratories et al.

The filing raises allegations of breach of express and implied warranties, violations of consumer protection laws, fraudulent omission and unjust enrichment. It is seeking damages and other relief for consumers nationwide.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre Lawsuits

Although this complaint seeks only economic damages on behalf of consumers, Abbott also faces product liability lawsuits from individuals who allege inaccurate FreeStyle Libre glucose readings caused severe injuries after they relied on defective sensor data to make insulin dosing decisions.

Individuals who experienced serious health complications after relying on a recalled FreeStyle Libre 3 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus continuous glucose monitor may be eligible to pursue financial compensation. Reported injuries associated with inaccurate glucose readings include: 

• Wrongful death
• Severe hypoglycemia
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Other acute metabolic emergencies and hospitalizations

Attorneys are reviewing potential FreeStyle Libre 3 claims on behalf of individuals and families nationwide. Free case evaluations are available to determine whether a lawsuit may be appropriate, and there are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

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