If your baby developed necrotizing enterocolitis, commonly abbreviated as NEC, after consuming infant formula in a hospital or NICU, you could file a legal claim to seek compensation. For years, cow's milk-based formulas have been associated with NEC risk in preterm babies. You could have a legal claim if your infant developed NEC after receiving Similac or Enfamil. Contact an experienced attorney for a comprehensive case evaluation.

Baby Formula And NEC

Cow's milk-based formulas and milk fortifiers sold under the brand names Similac and Enfamil increase NEC risk in preterm babies. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe disease that affects a baby’s intestines, leading to inflammation and infection. Ultimately, this illness could destroy a baby's intestinal tissues, causing permanent damage.

Some of the common health complications that could result from NEC are:

  • Intestinal infection
  • Intestinal perforation
  • Sepsis
  • Abdominal infection
  • Death

The intestinal damage that results from NEC usually requires the baby to undergo surgery. In some cases, NEC could lead to the death of the child. On the other hand, if an infant survives, it could suffer significant long-term adverse health effects like short bowel syndrome, serious neurodevelopmental conditions, and growth failure.

Cow Milk Problem

Many infant formulas like Similac and Enfamil are made of cow milk. The manufacturers add certain ingredients and nutrients to mimic human breast milk. Unfortunately, these formulas increase an infant's risk of developing a neonatal digestive disease known as NEC. Science indicates that cow milk formulas lead to a bacterial septic overload in a premature baby’s stomach. This overload causes holes in a baby’s intestines leading to bleeding and infection. For many years, manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil infant formulas have ignored this science in their quest to continue making profits.

NEC Can Be Mild Or Severe

NEC can be mild in some babies but very severe in others. When a baby develops NEC, the first step is to stop all oral feedings and introduce the baby to a strong dose of antibiotics. During treatment, nutrients are administered to the baby intravenously. The infection could leave dead tissue in the baby’s intestines if it is not addressed immediately. If the infection advances, surgery could be necessary to remove the dead tissues and repair any intestinal perforations.

Filing An NEC Lawsuit

With the help of an experienced attorney, you can file an NEC lawsuit against the infant formula manufacturers. Parents can file lawsuits to seek compensation for the detrimental effects of NEC on their babies, including wrongful death.

Whether You Qualify To File An NEC Lawsuit

An attorney can review your case and advise you whether you qualify to file an NEC lawsuit. You could be eligible to file a lawsuit if:

  • Your child was born prematurely, meaning that the child was born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  • Your child received Similac or Enfamil formula
  • The child was born in 1991 or later
  • Your child was diagnosed with NEC after consuming Similac or Enfamil baby formula

Find An Experienced NEC Lawsuit Attorney Near Me

Our experienced attorneys at Consumer Alert Now are committed to fighting on our clients’ behalf. We will help you file a lawsuit anywhere in the United States to hold manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil accountable. Contact us at 800-511-0747 and speak to one of our attorneys.