Baby Formula Lawsuit

Enfamil and Similac are baby formulas often fed to premature babies in the NICU to help spur growth and weight gain. Both formulas are cow milk-based. These formulas may cause a digestive problem in preterm infants known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC.

NEC 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 preterm babies. The litigation against Similac and Enfamil also hold that the companies should have issued warnings on the product labeling.

The Similac and Enfamil baby formulas mentioned in baby formula lawsuits include:

As of January 2022, there is not a recall issued for Enfamil or Similac baby formulas for causing NEC in premature infants. Visit the FDA website for more information on recalls and safety alerts.

If your preterm 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 an Enfamil lawsuit or a Similac lawsuit. Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. attorneys can evaluate your potential claim with you during a free consultation. Our lawyers take cases nationwide.