Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when intestinal tissue grows thin and dies, causing holes in the intestinal walls. Bacteria can enter into the infant’s abdomen or blood stream through those holes, leading to infection or other serious health risks. The condition usually develops between two and six weeks after birth. For some infants, NEC in premature babies can be mild, but for others, it can be fatal. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 40% of infants diagnosed with NEC die from the condition.

Research has suggested the link between cow’s milk-based formula and NEC for many years. A 2011 study out of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center notes that “Extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis than babies fed a standard premature infant formula derived from cow’s milk.”

However, Mead Johnson & Company (manufacturer of Enfamil), and Abbott Laboratories (maker of Similac), have allegedly failed to adequately warn parents, caregivers, and the medical community of this dangerous link between their formulas and NEC when given to premature infants. Baby formula lawsuits hold that the companies knew—or should have known—that their cow-based formulas may cause death or significant injury to pre-term babies, and that warnings should have been included on the product labeling.

If your pre-term baby was given Enfamil or Similac formula while in the NICU and was diagnosed with NEC that required surgery, caused ongoing problems, or resulted in death, please call our law firm today. You may be eligible to file a Enfamil lawsuit or a Similac lawsuit. We offer free, confidential consultations, and take cases nationwide. Call us at (888) 984-7988 or fill out our contact form to speak with an attorney about your potential case.