When most babies are born premature or underweight, they may need additional supplementation provided by baby formulas. One of America's most common baby formula brands is the Similac formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. While this infant formula is meant to improve the infant’s nutritional condition, it has been linked to a severe gastrointestinal infection known as Necrotizing enterocolitis.

NEC is one of the most serious infections in premature babies, and it develops when the cells in the intestines are irritated by the enzymes in the cow-milk-based infant formula. When left untreated, the inflammation will cause the death of the cells and the development of perforations through which the bacteria can leak. According to research studies, infants fed on Similac formula were more likely to develop the infection when compared to those fed on breast milk.

Since the manufacturers of Similac baby formula breached their duty of care by continuing to produce and marketing the product regardless of the concerns, you can sue them for injuries or death of your baby owing to Similac formula.

The link between Similac Baby Formula and NEC in Premature Babies

Similac is one of the most common infant formula brands manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Like other infant formulas, Similac is made from cow’s milk and is modified to mimic breast milk to feed premature infants. Recent studies have established that this formula brand increased the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe and life-threatening gastrointestinal infection in infants.

NEC is a very aggressive infection, and it causes rapid death and decay of the infant’s intestinal walls. In most cases, necrotizing enterocolitis originates from the cells in the inner lining of the intestines. It spreads through the thickness of the intestines causing perforation and leaking of fecal matter.

NEC cases vary in severity depending on the age of the baby. If the infant survives the condition, they may need to undergo extensive treatments to remove the affected part and still suffer permanent consequences. When the condition is not detected in time, it can cause perforations in the intestines. Through the perforations, high amounts of bacteria could leak into the abdominal cavity and sometimes enter the bloodstream, which can cause sepsis and death. Necrotizing enterocolitis resulting from infant formula is characterized by:

  • Abdominal swelling and pain.

  • Diarrhea and bloody stool.

  • Changes in heart rate and body temperature.

  • Lethargy

  • Failure to gain weight.

  • Yellow and green vomit.

The scientific evidence linking Similac baby formula to this gastrointestinal infection dates back to the early 90s. However, the weight of the evidence increases as further research is carried out. Researchers compared the medical reports of premature babies fed on human donor milk and those receiving the formula for studies done to determine the link between Similac baby formula and NEX. The birth weight and gestational age were similar for both groups of babies. The results of this research showed that babies fed on Similac baby formula were ten times more likely to develop this condition when compared to the ones fed on human milk.

Several studies have concluded that infant formula irritates the baby’s intestines, causing inflammation. Since most premature infants have premature organs and systems, their ability to fight these reactions is low. This is why the condition is more common in premature and low birth weight babies. While human milk has antibodies to protect the baby, cow’s milk encourages perforations which encourage further damage by bacteria.

With the link already established, parents of babies who suffered this condition after feeding on the formula are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of Similac formula. Although there has not been a settlement, the litigation on these lawsuits is picking momentum. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits are alleging neglect and failure to warn by Abbott laboratories.

If you file a lawsuit, you stand to recover compensation for all the medical expenses you incurred due to your child being diagnosed with NEC. Additionally, you may be compensated for the pain and suffering of losing your child from the condition.

Joining a Similac Baby Formula Mass Tort

Learning of your child’s diagnosis with NEC can be a devastating experience. Parents of premature babies are already stressed with the uncertainty of their baby’s survival, and NEC will certainly add to the stress. Manufacturers of products like a baby formula must ensure that their products are safe for consumption which Abbott Laboratories failed to do. 

Regardless of the numerous studies showing the link between Similac formula and serious gastrointestinal infections like NEC, the manufacturers of Similac have continued to produce and market the product. 

Additionally, they continually fail to warn parents and doctors of the potential risk posed by their product. Therefore, if your child has suffered NEC after feeding on Similac Formula, you can file a claim and recover compensation for your losses.

Filing a claim against a company like Abbott Laboratories can be challenging. Fortunately, you can join other parents to form a mass tort. A mass tort is a legal action with many plaintiffs who have suffered a similar loss or injury from a defective product. A mass tort is likely to pull more attention and higher compensation likelihood.

Seek Expert Guidance Near Me

Premature babies are vulnerable, and they deserve the best care to improve their chances of survival and normal growth. Similac baby formula that is commonly used to supplement these infants has been linked to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC is a serious intestinal infection that, when left untreated, could cause an infant’s death. Many research studies have shown that many infants fed on this formula brand are at risk of developing this condition. Unfortunately, the formula manufacturers have ignored these complaints and continued to produce and market the product. For this reason, many parents of premature babies are filing claims against Abbott Laboratories for the injuries and death of their babies after feeding on this formula. 

If your child has been diagnosed with NEC after feeding on Similac formula, you may be entitled to compensation. At Consumer Alert Now, we will offer you more information on the link between NEC and Similac. Additionally, we will link you up with competent attorneys to help you file a claim or join a mass tort for maximum compensation. Call us today at 800-511-0747.