Representing Families Whose Premature Babies Developed NEC From Infant Formula

Research has shown that baby formulas made from cow’s milk significantly increase the risk for Necrotizing Enterocolitis, also known as NEC, in infants born prematurely or with low birth weight. NEC can cause the walls of the small intestine to get inflamed, leading to a bacterial invasion. Over time, the bacteria can damage the colon and intestine, resulting in dead (necrotized) tissue and holes in the intestine. These holes allow the bacteria to leak into the abdomen and get into the bloodstream, potentially causing serious infections, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, neurological damage, and even death.

Manufacturers Were Aware of the Dangers

The most common brands of infant formula are Similac, made by Abbott Laboratories, and Enfamil, manufactured by Mead Johnson. It is estimated that Similac and Enfamil products currently represent 80% of the market share for premature baby formulas. For decades these manufacturers have aggressively marketed their products despite more than 30 year of research suggesting that cow’s based formulas might be causing NEC in premature babies.  

In 2011, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report indicating that “For vulnerable premature infants, formula feeding is associated with higher rates of necrotizing enterocolitis.” And in 2021, the American Association of Pediatrics issued a warning about the dangers of cow’s milk-based formulas.

Alternatives to these dangerous formulas have been available for a long time. Prolacta, a brand made with human milk, was introduced in 2016 and human donor milk is also available through milk banks. Unfortunately, many doctors, hospitals, and parents remain unaware of the health concerns, mainly because the manufacturers have been failing to adequately warn people of the dangers for decades. Premature babies continue to get fed Enfamil and Similac at hospitals every day, putting them at risk for serious illnesses and even death.

Qualifying Criteria for NEC Infant Formula Lawsuits

If you had a premature baby who became ill after being fed Enfamil or Similac, you might have a legal claim against the manufacturers. Lawsuits are been filed for a wide range of injuries and long-term complications linked to cow-based infant formula. The qualifying criteria for NEC infant formula lawsuits include:

  • Baby must have been born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
  • Baby must have been fed Enfamil or Similac infant formula or fortifiers
  • Baby must have been born within the last 18 years
  • Baby must have been diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) OR Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) OR another gastrointestinal illness requiring surgery

Legal Help for People with Infants Who Developed NEC

Hendler Flores Law is representing parents of premature babies who were fed Enfamil and Similac and developed NEC and other serious illnesses. We take great care to consider the impact of your child’s illness on your family.

Our team of personal injury attorneys has years of experience determining the value of life-changing injuries and illnesses. The main factors we consider in cases such as NEC lawsuits are:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and emotional suffering

No amount of compensation will make up for what your family has gone through however holding the responsible parties accountable can help bring you some peace of mind.

Find Out More About Filing an NEC Infant Formula Lawsuit

If your premature baby was fed Similac or Enfamil infant formula and you know or suspect they developed NEC, contact our attorneys to find out if you have a legal claim against the manufacturer(s). There is no cost or obligation to contact us for a case consultation. We’re available by email at info@hendlerlaw.com or by phone at 1-800-443-6353.

At Hendler Flores Law, we take our job as your legal representative seriously. It’s important to us to represent you based on your needs, not ours. We work up every case individually and develop a unique legal strategy for you based on your needs and priorities. Your story matters. 

To download a fact sheet about Infant Formula, click here.

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