The specter of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease primarily affecting premature infants, continues to cast a long shadow over the infant formula industry. At the heart of this crisis are allegations leveled against two of the industry’s leading players, Enfamil and Similac, accusing them of negligence in failing to adequately warn parents about the heightened risk of NEC associated with their products.

Countless families across the United States have been irrevocably impacted by NEC, and many are seeking legal recourse against these corporate giants. The core of these NEC lawsuits centers on the assertion that Enfamil and Similac knew of the link between their cow’s milk-based formulas and NEC yet prioritized profit over infant safety by withholding this critical information from the public.

If your baby developed NEC after consuming formula produced by Mead Johnson & Company, LLC (Enfamil) or Abbott Laboratories, Inc. (Similac), you may be eligible to file an NEC lawsuit. Our lawyers at People For Law are handling Similac and Enfamil infant formula lawsuits for families whose premature babies suffered or died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming one of these formulas.

NEC Lawsuits for Infant Formula: Understanding the Problem

Scientific research has provided compelling evidence supporting the connection between cow’s milk-based formulas and NEC. A landmark study published in The Lancet revealed a staggering tenfold increase in NEC incidence among infants consuming these formulas compared to breastfed babies. Subsequent research has consistently corroborated these findings, implicating bovine milk products as a significant risk factor for the development of NEC.

Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, Enfamil and Similac have persisted in marketing their cow’s milk-based formulas without explicit warnings about the associated NEC risks. This lack of transparency has ignited a firestorm of controversy and prompted a wave of legal challenges from aggrieved families.

A Legal Landscape in Flux

The legal landscape surrounding NEC and infant formula has undergone rapid and significant changes in recent months. A series of high-stakes NEC lawsuits payouts has brought this issue to the forefront of public consciousness and exerted immense pressure on the corporations involved.

• The Missouri Trial: A pivotal moment arrived in July 2024 when the first trial against Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Similac, commenced in Missouri. At the heart of the case was the allegation that the company’s formula directly caused a plaintiff’s daughter to develop NEC. The outcome of this trial is being closely watched by legal experts and affected families alike, as it could set a precedent for future cases and potentially influence settlement amounts.
• Abbott’s Strategic Conundrum: In a surprising development, Abbott CEO Robert Ford publicly acknowledged the mounting pressure surrounding the company’s infant formula and hinted at the possibility of withdrawing the product from the market. While Ford framed this decision as a public health concern, it is undeniable that the threat of substantial legal liabilities played a significant role.
• Record-Breaking Verdict: A Missouri jury delivered a staggering $495 million verdict in favor of an Illinois girl who suffered from NEC after consuming Abbott’s formula. This landmark decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and sends a powerful message to the infant formula industry.

Compensation Available in Baby Formula Lawsuits

The amount of compensation awarded to families of premature babies who developed NEC after consuming Enfamil or Similac formula will vary significantly from case to case.

In cases of this nature, courts consider the following factors when calculating compensation:

• The fees incurred as a result of the baby’s medical treatment.
• The costs associated with the child’s rehabilitation or ongoing care.
• The impact the baby’s NEC diagnosis will have on his or her quality of life.
• The mental anguish suffered as a result of the child’s NEC diagnosis.
• The pain and suffering caused by the baby’s NEC diagnosis.
• The cost of the child’s funeral, burial, or cremation.

Parents of newborns who lose their lives or require lifelong medical care typically receive the largest settlements.

To find out how much compensation you might be eligible to recover, schedule a free case evaluation with the knowledgeable attorneys at People For Law. We would be happy to provide you with a quote.

The Fight for Justice

For parents whose children have endured the harrowing ordeal of NEC, the legal system offers a potential avenue for seeking compensation and accountability. Lawsuits against Enfamil and Similac typically seek damages to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related costs. In cases where a child has died, wrongful death claims may also be pursued.

The road to justice for NEC-affected families is undoubtedly challenging, but the recent surge in legal activity and the mounting evidence against infant formula manufacturers offer hope for a future where infant safety is prioritized above all else.

As the legal battle unfolds, affected families must seek the guidance of experienced product liability attorneys who can navigate the complexities of these cases and advocate aggressively on their behalf.

Do you think you might be eligible to file a product liability or wrongful death lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories, Inc. (Similac) or Mead Johnson & Company, LLC (Enfamil)? Then, do not hesitate to contact the team at People For Law. We are specialists in mass tort lawsuits and represent all of our clients with professionalism and dedication. Contact us today to review your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.