Two of the most popular baby formula brands, Similac and Enfamil, are facing hundreds of possible product liability lawsuits for failure to warn parents and doctors about the health risks associated with their products. Premature infants across the United States being fed these cow’s milk-based formulas are at a heightened risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a serious and often fatal condition.
At Kaufman & Stigger, we are seeking justice for the families whose babies’ lives have been tragically affected by this harmful product. If successful, the formula makers could be ordered to pay the victims of their product millions of dollars in damages. Start your free baby formula case review here.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Lawsuit Status Update 2024-2025
The first necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) infant formula lawsuits were filed against liable baby formula manufacturers several years ago. However, many other lawsuits have been filed across the country concerning their formulas and the development of NEC in premature infants. The most up-to-date version of the lawsuit claims:
- Extensive scientific research has confirmed that cow’s milk-based fortifiers and formulas can significantly increase the risk of NEC in low-birth-weight and preterm babies
- Despite the heightened risk of NEC, the formula-makers and distributors made no changes to the formula, packaging, instructions, or warning labels and continued to use cow’s milk as the basis of their product
- The formula product warnings and instructions were too vague to provide adequate warning and failed to mention the increased risk of intestinal problems like NEC and death
- The harmful product was aggressively marketed as medically endorsed, safe, and the nutritional equivalent to human breast milk, targeting their ads directly to parents of premature infants
- Product advertising was deceptive, implying the product was derived from breast milk when in fact it contained cow’s milk
Who Qualifies for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
If your child was born prematurely, they may have needed to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit. In some cases, your premature infant may have been fed these harmful formulas. If you’re unsure, please fill out a formula case review here and we will help you determine if you qualify to be a part of the NEC baby formula lawsuit.
Even if you believe your child was fed cow’s milk-based formula or milk fortifier years ago, you may still be able to join the lawsuit. Our experienced NEC baby formula attorneys can help you navigate the necessary legal steps at no cost to you and your family. We operate on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if your case is won.
What is NEC?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. The infants at the highest risk of being diagnosed with NEC are:
- Infants born before 37 weeks
- Infants fed through a stomach tube
- Infants weighing less than 5.5 lbs at birth
NEC is a result of a serious bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system of infants. A condition that causes inflammation in the intestines, resulting in rapid decay and death of vital tissue in the baby’s inner intestine.
Cases of NEC can range from mild discomfort to severe and life-threatening illness. As one of the leading causes of illness and death among preterm infants, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fifteen to forty percent of infants with NEC die from the disease. This condition becomes fatal when a hole forms in the intestinal wall, causing bacteria to leak into the abdominal cavity and then into the bloodstream. Bacteria in the bloodstream could result in sepsis, which is deadly, especially to light-weight newborns.
How Do Doctors Treat Signs of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Doctors will first look to identify symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) before changing your infant’s diet or opting for more invasive medical procedures. Between the ages of two and six weeks, an infant with NEC may show signs of:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Changes in body temperature
- Changes in breathing
- Diarrhea and bloody stool
- Green or yellow vomit
- Sudden refusal to eat and weight loss
To begin treatment, doctors will stop oral or tube feedings and give the infant nutrients through an IV. A doctor may also insert a long tube through the baby’s mouth or nose and into the stomach to remove gas and fluid. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the infection and reduce bacteria in the infant’s stomach. In more serious cases, the infant may require surgery to repair a hole in the intestine or drain the baby’s abdomen to remove fluids and gas.
Pursue Justice and Compensation for Your Child
If your child was fed Enfamil, Similac, or any other cow’s milk-based formula and developed NEC, we can help you take legal action on their behalf. As a product liability law firm with years of helping families pursue justice and compensation, we’re not afraid to take on major manufacturers and fight for your right to compensation.
There’s no cost to speak with our team or begin the legal process. Call Kaufman & Stigger at (800) 937-8443 to take legal action and join the lawsuit today.