Baby Formula Linked to NEC

toxic baby formula lawsuit nec

BABY FORMULA LAWSUIT

Baby Formulas from the manufacturers of popular brands, Enfamil and Similac, have been linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis. The cow’s milk formula and human milk fortifiers have increased the chance of intestinal disease in infants and premature babies.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease that primarily impacts the intestines of premature infants. Bacteria invades the walls of the intestines and inflammation sets in, creating a crack or gap, allowing harmful bacteria to leak into the abdomen.

While cases of NEC can vary from mild to severe, about half of infants who survive will develop long-term complications such as:

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Neurocognitive impairment
  • Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis and liver dysfunction
  • Poor growth/malnutrition
  • Sepsis/severe infection
  • Short bowel syndrome

Types of NEC

There are four different types of NEC that occur based on when the symptoms begin and what causes the diagnosis.

  • Classic: Seen as the most common type of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, it impacts infants born before 28 weeks. This type of NEC comes suddenly and typically occurs within three to six weeks after birth.
  • Transfusion-associated: To treat an infant with anemia, they must undergo a blood transfusion. NEC could occur within three days of the transfusion.
  • Atypical: Being the rarest known occurrence for NEC, it happens within the first week of an infant’s life or before their first feeding.
  • Term Infant: Infants that are born full-term but develop NEC. These children oftentimes experience birth injuries or have a congenital disability such as congenital heart condition, gastroschisis, and low oxygen levels.

Symptoms of NEC

Occurring two to six weeks after birth, common symptoms of NEC include:

  • Abdominal swelling and pain and/or redness of stomach
  • Apnea
  • Bile-colored vomiting
  • Bloody stool
  • Gastric discharge
  • Lack of weight gain
  • Lethargy
  • Refusal to eat
  • Unpredictable blood pressure and heart rate

If your child developed NEC after drinking recalled baby formula, you may be entitled to compensation. Feel free to contact our experienced lawyers at Elk + Elk for a free case review.

What Baby Formulas are Associated with NEC?

Necrotizing Enterocolitis has been linked to infant formulas and human milk fortifiers that come from cow’s milk. The popular brands of infant formulas, Similac (Abbott Laboratories) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson & Company, LLC), are causing NEC.

Abbott Laboratories

  • Similac Alimentum
  • Similac Alimentum Expert Care
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein – Concentrated Liquid
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder
  • Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
  • Similac NeoSure
  • Similac Special Care
  • Similac Special Care 20
  • Similac Special Care 24
  • Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
  • Similac Special Care 30

Mead Johnson & Company, LLC

  • Enfacare Powder
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
  • Enfamil Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
  • Enfamil Premature 20 Cal
  • Enfamil Premature 24 Cal
  • Enfamil Premature 24 Cal/fl oz HP
  • Enfamil Premature 30 Cal
  • Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement

Can I file a lawsuit?

You may qualify for an NEC baby formula lawsuit if your child was:

  • Diagnosed with NEC
  • Born prematurely – fewer than 37 weeks gestation
  • Fed Similac and/or Enfamil formula or human milk fortifier before diagnosis
  • Suffered from:
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Death
    • Intestinal perforation
    • Neurological damage
    • Resection/surgery
    • Sepsis
    • Scarring or strictures in the intestines

What Compensation Can I Receive?

The makers of Similac and Enfamil failed to warn parents and medical professionals about the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies. Elk + Elk’s lawyers can help you receive compensation for:

  • Wage loss
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Out-of-pocket costs

If your baby was diagnosed with NEC after being fed recalled infant formula, call 1-800-355-6446 or fill out a contact form. Our case reviews are free, and we offer a no-fee promise.