Toxic Baby Formula Mass Tort Lawsuits: Everything You Need to Know

by | Jun 21, 2024 | Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit

Toxic Baby Formula Mass Tort

Baby formula lawsuits claim that milk-based formula is causing premature babies to develop a gastrointestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). People For Law is helping clients sue the formula’s manufacturer for failing to warn both doctors and parents about the risks of NEC for premature babies.

Giving birth to a child is one of the most beautiful experiences a human being can have. The first days of having a newborn baby are filled with joy, anxiety, and hope. Parents of NICU babies often wonder if they are doing it right and taking all the proper steps to protect their little ones. When companies put their last dollar into the health and safety of vulnerable populations, they deserve accountability.

Parents May Not Know Their Premature Babies Developed NEC

Unfortunately, parents who lost their babies to NEC may not know it. Alternatively, parents of children with long-term or developmental illnesses may also not know the cause of their child’s health.

To date, there were 514 toxic baby formula lawsuits pending in multidistrict litigation and counting. Our attorneys at People For Law work tirelessly to bring justice to baby formula lawsuit cases.

What Do the Similac and Enfamil Lawsuits Allege?

Claims against these two manufacturers allege that they failed to warn that their formula can cause NEC in premature babies. In new Similac trials, lawyers argue that Abbott has been fully aware of the scientific evidence linking its product to higher rates of NEC in premature babies. Despite this knowledge, both companies still need to add a warning to the product labels.

Similac and Enfamil Cause NEC

Similac and Enfamil are two of the most popular brands of baby formula. Both products are made from cow’s milk and are given to newborns as a substitute for breast milk.

Unfortunately, cow milk formulas are associated with NEC in premature babies. A 2019 Cochrane study found that feeding a baby formula containing cow’s milk nearly doubles the risk of developing NEC.

What is NEC?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal problem that primarily affects premature babies. It is a severe bacterial infection that causes death or deterioration of intestinal wall tissues.

  • Necrotizing refers to death in cells
  • Entero refers to the intestines
  • Colitis refers to inflammation

In short, NEC is the death of intestinal cells after severe inflammation occurs. The condition causes inflammation of the intestinal tissue that leads to the death of tissue in these organs. As a result, a hole forms in the baby’s intestine, leaking bacteria into the abdomen or bloodstream.

NEC can cause permanent damage such as neurological damage, cerebral palsy, scarring, or even death.

What are the Symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

NEC varies in severity. For example, some babies may have very mild cases and only mild discomfort. Others, however, experience highly severe and life-threatening cases that can endanger a baby’s life. There are several symptoms associated with necrotizing enterocolitis that parents should be aware of. These symptoms include the following:

  • Green or yellow vomit
  • Inability to gain weight
  • Lethargy
  • Swelling and pain in the abdomen
  • Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
  • bloody stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • refuse to eat

If your baby developed NEC after being fed cow’s milk-based baby formula, contact a toxic baby formula lawsuit attorney. You can have a consultation on how they can hold Abbott Labaroties and Mead Johnson liable. Our legal team at People For Law can help you get the justice you and your family deserve.

Who Will I File a Baby Formula Lawsuit Against?

Your lawsuit against baby formula will depend on the type you use. If the baby was fed Similac, you will file a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories. Similarly, if your baby was fed Enfamil, your legal claim will be against Mead Johnson Nutrition.

At People For Law, we are here to help you get justice. Connect with us in your legal trouble.

What’s Happening Right Now with Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuits?

Since June 2021, parents have filed lawsuits against Enfamil’s manufacturer; Mead Johnson & Company. Similarly, parents have also begun filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of Similac, Abbott Laboratories, Inc. In both cases, the lawsuits allege the following:

  • Negligence
  • Design defect
  • Lack of Warning
  • Wrongful Death
  • Intentional misrepresentation
  • Negligent Misrepresentation
  • Breach of warranty

Our team of compassionate attorneys at People For Law are here to help your family get the justice they deserve. You can count on our experience in handling toxic baby formula lawsuits, and they will help you resolve your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Status of Enfamil and Similac Lawsuits

The family lawsuits are in the early stages. These cases are likely to be consolidated into multi-district litigation.

The litigation against the makers of Similac is relatively new. As a result, there has been little movement on the status of these cases. However, it is likely that, like the Enfamil lawsuits, these cases will be consolidated into an MDL.

What information will I need to provide if I decide to file a baby formula lawsuit?

To file a toxic baby formula lawsuit, you will begin by telling your story to one of our legal representatives. During your consultation, you should feel comfortable asking questions about the legal process and what your attorneys should expect of you. Next, your legal representative will begin the intake process to determine the severity of your baby’s injuries. Our attorney will then need a medical history of your child. This is so we can build your case against Abbott Laboratories and Mead & Johnson Company by connecting the dots between the science of the cow’s milk infant formula link to NEC and how it affects you and your family.

Can I sue a hospital for feeding my baby cow’s milk formula?

In some cases, parents also file lawsuits against hospitals that feed their babies Enfamil or Similac. Because each case is unique, this may or may not be an option for your family. Consult with a qualified toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit attorney to discuss the details of your claim.

People For Law Can Help

For 30 years, People For Law has dedicated its services to helping victims of negligent companies. Our compassionate attorneys will treat your case with the respect it deserves. Cases like these can take years to resolve, and our firm has the resources to represent your family until payment. The team at People For Law can help hold negligent and careless companies accountable. Contact our legal team today to schedule your consultation.