Cow milk-based formulas dominate the baby formula market compared to soy formulas or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. Companies advertise these formulas as a healthy way to supplement the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help infants mature. However, numerous studies have connected cow milk-based formulas to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal disorder. We understand that no amount of compensation can make amends for the harm your infant endured. But a baby formula NEC lawsuit can assist you in holding negligent formula manufacturers accountable. Speak with a baby formula NEC lawyer at The Lake Law Firm today to learn how filing a claim can help you and your family.
The Lake Law Firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of preterm infants fed cow milk-based infant formula who suffered lifelong injury or death. Lawsuits allege that premature babies who received cow milk-based formula developed a serious gastrointestinal disease known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Call (888) 525-3529 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page today to speak with a baby formula NEC lawyer at our firm.
Common cow milk-based formulas include Similac and Enfamil. Manufacturers designed these formulas to boost the weight and nutritional intake of premature infants in the NICU. However, research has linked these formulas to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a gastrointestinal disorder that typically affects premature babies. This condition inflames the intestinal tissue and leads to tissue death. Holes may form in the intestine through which bacteria can seep into the abdomen or bloodstream. Symptoms of NEC include:
NEC from cow milk-based formula can result in devastating health conditions. Concerns over cow milk-based formula span decades. In 1990, a study in The Lancet revealed that infants exclusively fed formula were 20 times more likely to develop NEC. Further studies identify cow milk-based formulas as culprits behind bacterial overload in an infant’s intestines. NEC remains a leading cause of death in premature infants and may be fatal in as many as 50% of cases. Injuries included in baby formula NEC lawsuits include:
Sadly, babies who survive NEC may struggle with lifelong complications. Although a lawsuit cannot undo these injuries, it can prevent future infants from suffering the same fate. As more individuals come forward, hopefully, we will see formula manufacturers update their labels to warn parents about the potential risk of NEC. Our baby formula NEC lawyers strive to support those affected by cow milk formula-related tragedies and want to keep more infants from getting hurt.
Many scientific studies have suggested a link between NEC and cow milk-based formulas. Given this extensive body of research spanning decades, families filing baby formula NEC lawsuits argue that companies knew or should have known about the potentially harmful effects of their cow’s milk formulas on premature infants.
In 2012, Pediatric Research concluded that premature infants fed formula are more likely to develop NEC than breastfed infants. Researchers hypothesized that the formula contains levels of unbound free fatty acids that are toxic to intestinal cells.
Also, research continuously reinforces that cow milk-based formula is not a safer alternative to breast milk. A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that premature infants fed solely human breast milk were less likely to develop NEC.
Then, in October 2021, a British Medical Journal study reported that the manufacturers of infant formulas have participated in biased and inaccurate clinical trials testing the safety of their products, including a lack of transparency regarding the danger of NEC.
Lawsuits concerning infants who suffered injury or died due to cow milk formulas like Enfamil and Similac are underway. Baby formula NEC lawsuits against formula manufacturers claim that their formula products contain no warning of NEC. As a result, claimants allege these companies marketed their formulas as safe with no warning of health complications for premature infants. While several studies have discovered that cow milk formulas may increase the risk of NEC in premature babies, manufacturers have neglected to inform the public.
As of November 2023, 290 NEC cases were pending in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). A multidistrict litigation centralizes lawsuits nationwide with similar claims into a single federal court in order to resolve claims efficiently and fairly.
Additionally, there is a separate MDL against Abbott Nutrition regarding its recalled infant formula contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport.
Mead Johnson and Abbott Nutrition are defendants in baby formula NEC lawsuits. Mead Johnson, based in Indiana, manufactures the cow milk-based formula Enfamil. Abbott Laboratories, headquartered in Illinois, produces the cow milk-based formula Similac.
You may be entitled to significant compensation if your baby ingested Similac or Enfamil formula and contracted NEC. Many parents trusted these well-known formula brands, but lawsuits allege these formulas jeopardized the lives of babies. Had parents known about the possible dangers associated with cow milk formulas, they could have sought alternative options for their children.
Don’t hesitate to contact The Lake Law Firm today to see if your family qualifies for a potential claim.
There are no baby formula NEC verdicts or settlements at this time. Since we are still in the early phases of litigation, no trials have taken place. Yet, four NEC bellwether trials have been selected. These test trials will shed light on whether plaintiffs should be compensated and, if so, how much they should receive. We could see our first baby formula NEC trial in the second half of 2024.
We will continue to update this page as we progress through baby formula NEC claims.
The amount you may be eligible for depends on many factors, including the severity of your child’s injuries, the cost of your medical expenses, and the impact on your and your child’s quality of life. Additionally, the strength of your case and the evidence to support your claim can influence the amount of compensation you may be awarded.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your eligibility is to schedule a consultation with one of our baby formula NEC attorneys. During this complimentary case evaluation, we can review the details of your case.
If your child developed NEC from cow milk-based formula, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
At The Lake Law Firm, we recognize that those recovering from formula-related incidents need to focus on their families and healing. That is why we take care of everything. When you partner with us, you can avoid the stress and burden of taking legal action alone. We handle all aspects of your case, so you can prioritize your family above all else.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. A baby formula NEC lawyer will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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