Attorney Representing Families in Lawsuits Involving Toxic Baby Formula Causing NEC

When a baby is born premature or preterm, we naturally understand that they are more vulnerable and require more care. We put our trust in doctors, nurses, and other professionals to help us nurture the children and give them what they need when at their most vulnerable. We also trust the baby formulas we feed our infants to be safe and healthy, just like the brand’s eye-catching packaging claims.

However, infant formulas made by Similac and Enfamil have been linked to causing the dangerous necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) disease in babies. It seems that the makers of these dangerous formulas also knew of the dangers posed but not only did nothing to stop sales but failed to tell the public of the risks. If your baby has gotten NEC due to ingesting Similac or Enfamil baby formula, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the companies for their dangerous formulas.

What is NEC?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most common and among the most dangerous intestinal diseases for premature and preterm babies. It inflames or injures the intestines. NEC can then lead to the death of the intestinal tissue and sometimes lead to intestinal tearing or holes. In this situation, the intestines do not handle human waste as intended and release bacteria into the bloodstream, poisoning the body. This can make an infant very sick and, in some cases, result in their death. If treated in time, the infant may still need to have injured or dead intestines removed via surgery.

Babies fed on human breastmilk have a considerably lower risk of developing NEC. Baby formula, particularly formulas made with cow milk like Similac and Enfamil formulas, has a higher chance of developing NEC in the baby.

Which Infant Formulas Are Linked to NEC?

Research has indicated that baby formulas made by Enfamil and Similac may be toxic, directly linking them to NEC in premature babies. It often develops within the first two months after birth. While adults among us can enjoy cow milk-based dairy products, provided the individual is not lactose intolerant, cow milk-based baby formula can be very unhealthy for premature infants. Similac and Enfamil formulas are made from cow milk and, despite claims of healthy properties, could cause disease and even death in preterm babies.

What’s worse, Similac and Enfamil infant formulas are made and marketed expressly for premature babies. The dangers of cow milk-based baby formulas for premature babies have been documented for the better part of three decades now. Despite this, the formula manufacturers have largely ignored the science, opting to make all they could while endangering our vulnerable young.

What Are the Dangers of NEC?

The warning signs of NEC vary and may be difficult to ascertain. The baby’s inability to sit through feedings with formula could be a sign of NEC or simply the sign of a fussy baby. Other symptoms are more alarming, including green or yellow vomit, changes in heart rate and breathing, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, refusal to eat, inability to gain weight, unstable body temperatures, and abdominal pain and swelling.

If a baby contracts NEC, the disease could cause:

Death
Developmental delays
Growth failure
Infection
Narrowing of the intestines
Poor neurodevelopment
Sepsis
Short bowel/gut syndrome

According to studies, half of the babies who develop NEC die from the disease. Those who survive are left with significant issues in development and often cognitive disabilities.

Contact Greg Jones Law to Discuss Your Legal Options

If your baby has contracted NEC as a result of ingesting toxic baby formula made by Similac or Enfamil, you may be entitled to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Similac made and manufactured by Abbott Laboratories Inc., and Enfamil, made by Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, are wealthy and successful businesses. They failed to adequately warn consumers of their products’ dangers and did not change how they marketed their products for premature babies. Knowing what we know about the link between cow milk baby formula and NEC in premature babies, this should be considered negligent business practices.

Contact the Greg Jones Law firm today to set up your free initial consultation. We will evaluate your claim and attempt to provide you with legal advice on how to proceed with a lawsuit. We could help you through settlement negotiations and the legal process of suing these companies. Please call us at (910) 251-2240 to schedule a consultation.