CASE ALERT: Similac and Enfamil Baby Formula NEC Lawsuits
Our team of attorneys is currently investigating claims that infant formula manufactured by Similac, Enfamil, and other companies may be associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
According to the NEC Society, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an intestinal disease that primarily affects premature and medically fragile infants. NEC causes an inflammatory response that can lead to intestinal tissue damage and death. Damage to the wall of the intestines can also lead to secondary infection and in some cases, infant death.
NEC is common among pre-term babies and often fatal. About 1 in 1000 premature babies will develop NEC, compared to 1 in 10,000 full-term infants.
What We Know About Baby Formula and NEC
Similac, Enfamil, and other infant formula is manufactured using cow’s milk. According to a 1990 study of over 900 pre-term infants, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is 6-10 times more common in infants fed exclusively formula than in those fed breast milk alone, and 3 times more common than in those who received formula plus breast milk.
A 2011 report by the United States Surgeon General states, “For vulnerable premature infants, formula feeding is associated with higher rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)”. The report also found that premature infants who are not breastfed are 138% more likely to develop NEC.
A 2016 study of over 1,500 infants published in the scientific journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that in extremely premature infants, an exclusively human milk diet is associated with significantly lower incidence of NEC and mortality.
The risks associated with feeding cow’s milk-based formula to premature infants have been scientifically documented for decades. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of baby formulas like Enfamil and Similac have not changed their product or updated the instructions, packaging, or warning labels. These manufacturers have not warned that Enfamil or Similac can put premature infants at a significantly increased risk of NEC and death.
Hospitals and Medical Providers Also Misled
Doctors and nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are not part of these claims. Medical providers were not properly warned about the increased risk of NEC by the companies that make Enfamil, Similac, and other baby formulas. Instructions provided by the manufacturers have only vague information and never mention the dangers to premature babies.
What Compensation is Recoverable in an Enfamil or Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?
If your baby developed NEC after being fed Enfamil, Similac, or another infant formula, you may be eligible to participate in a lawsuit against the corporations responsible for marketing and selling baby formula.
If you hire ASK LLP, we may seek the following damages for you:
- Past and future medical expenses (treatment, equipment, nursing services, medication, and monitoring)
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Past and future mental anguish
- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future loss of earning capacity
- Past and future loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (love, affection, companionship, etc.)
- Funeral and burial expenses, if exposure led to the death of a loved one
CALL TODAY! If your child has been diagnosed with NEC after being fed formula in the NICU, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit. Call ASK LLP at 1-800-(877) RING ASK (877-746-4275) for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose ASK LLP?
Our professional staff is comprised of 17 attorneys and more than twenty support staff in two national offices: New York and Saint Paul. ASK LLP’s attorneys are experienced litigators and negotiators who average 15 years of legal experience.
Taking legal action does two things: A lawsuit enables individuals to hold large manufacturers accountable for their actions, possibly reducing the risk of others experiencing the same complications. It also helps families and individuals who suffer obtain fair financial compensation to cover the costs associated with the injury.
The right attorney will advocate for your rights and make sure your voice is heard when it comes to showcasing the ill effects of Enfamil and Similac baby formula. If you hire us, then we will fight tirelessly to get you and your family the best possible result.
