If you’ve been listening to the news in recent months, you may have heard that parents are filing lawsuits against Similac and Enfamil after their babies develop. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
But do these claims have merit? Are families likely to receive compensation?
The People For Law team is here to tell you everything you need to know. Our experienced mass tort attorneys have handled NEC lawsuits and will be able to help you. Contact us for more information.
Why Do Families File Lawsuits Against NEC for Baby Formula?
For years, organizations such as Similac (Abbott Laboratories, Inc.) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson & Company, LLC) have marketed their formulas as a safe alternative to breast milk. Unfortunately, their claims may not be valid.
The high-calorie milk-based formulas sold by these companies have been linked to a gastrointestinal disorder known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Neither Enfamil nor Similac include warnings about this danger on their packaging.
Now, parents of premature babies who developed NEC after consuming Enfamil and Similac products are filing product liability and wrongful death lawsuits against the companies.
The families allege that the manufacturers did not inform them of the risks associated with their products.
What Products Are Mentioned in Baby Formula Lawsuits?
Families across the United States are filing NEC lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories, Inc. regarding the following products:
- Similac Breast Milk Fortifier
- Similac Alimentum Expert Care
- Similac Liquid Protein Strengthener
- Similac 20 Special Care
- Similac 24 Special Care
- Similac 30 Special Care
- Similar NeoSure
Meanwhile, plaintiffs have named the following products in lawsuits filed against Mead Johnson & Company, LLC:
- Enfamil 24 Cal infant formula
- Enfamil NeoPro EnfaCare Infant Formula
- Enfamil human milk fortifier
- Enfamil 20 Cal Premature Baby Formula with Iron
- Enfamil 24 Cal Premature Baby Formula with Iron
- Enfamil 24 Cal High Protein Premature Baby Formula
- Enfamil 30 Cal Premature Baby Formula with Iron
As of this writing, these products are still available for sale in grocery stores nationwide. No company has issued recalls.
If you need to sue these companies, our NEC lawyers at People For Law are here to help you. Being specialists in mass tort cases, they will be more than capable of getting you the justice you deserve.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal problem that occurs most often in premature babies. The condition can perforate the patient’s intestine and cause bacteria to leak into the abdomen or bloodstream.
Babies who develop NEC often experience symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Tenderness
- Vomiting
- Abdominal distension (bloating)
- Breathing difficulties
- Lack of weight gain
- Lethargy
- Fevers
- Shaking chills
- Low blood pressure
The most common treatments for NEC include:
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Blood transfusion
- Nasogastric tube insertion
- Surgery
According to the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, approximately 23.5 percent of babies who develop NEC lose their lives. Children who survive may continue to experience neurodevelopmental and gastrointestinal problems for the rest of their lives.
Who Can File a Baby Formula NEC Claim?
A parent can file an NEC lawsuit against Mead Johnson & Company, LLC or Abbott Laboratories, Inc. if their baby:
- Born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- Baby formula consumed Enfamil or Similac
- Received a diagnosis of NEC
- They needed medical treatment or lost their lives
Anyone who believes they may be eligible for compensation should consult with a defective products lawyer as soon as possible.
How Much Compensation Could Affected Families Receive?
The amount of compensation available to parents of premature babies who developed NEC after ingesting Enfamil or Similac formula depends on a wide range of factors, including:
- The cost of the child’s medical treatment.
- Expenses associated with the continued care and rehabilitation of the baby.
- The amount of time the parents missed work due to the NEC diagnosis
- The impact that the diagnosis of NEC will have on the child’s quality of life
- The amount of pain and suffering incurred as a result of the diagnosis of NEC
- The mental anguish caused by the diagnosis of NEC
Parents of babies who lost their lives after receiving a diagnosis of NEC could also claim damages for the cost of the child’s burial or cremation.
Families who want to know more about the amount of compensation they could receive can speak with an experienced attorney. They will be able to analyze the details of the case and provide an estimate of compensation for your NEC Lawsuit.
Law Firm Experienced in Product Liability and Mass Tort Lawsuits
Do you think you may be eligible to file a product liability or wrongful death lawsuit against Mead Johnson & Company, LLC or Abbott Laboratories, Inc.? If so, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with the People For Law team. We will be happy to review your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us right now, and our attorneys will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.