NEC Baby Formula

Case Overview

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. Research has shown that premature babies fed cow's milk-based formula (not a mother's milk or milk-based human fortifier) are at a significantly higher risk of developing NEC.

NEC causes intestinal tissue to become inflamed and die, often requiring emergency surgery. The mortality rate for NEC is between 15-30%, and surviving infants may face lifelong health complications.

Lawsuits allege that formula manufacturers Abbott (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) knew about the increased NEC risk but failed to warn hospitals, doctors, and parents about the dangers of feeding these products to premature infants.

Similac, Enfamil, and related cow's milk-based formulas

Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson (Reckitt Benckiser)

Active - MDL in Illinois, bellwether trials scheduled

We help identify families whose premature infants developed NEC after being fed formula.

Key Facts

• Products: Similac, Enfamil, and related cow's milk-based formulas
• Primary Injury: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
• Defendants: Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson (Reckitt Benckiser)
• Litigation Status: Active - MDL in Illinois, bellwether trials scheduled

Who Qualifies

Infant Criteria

• Born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation)
• Low birth weight
• Fed formula in the NICU
• Fed fortified breast milk with bovine fortifiers

Medical Diagnosis

• Diagnosed with NEC (Stage 2 or higher)
• Required surgery for NEC
• Died from NEC complications
• Long-term complications from NEC

Product Use

• Fed Similac or Enfamil formula
• Fed cow's milk-based formula
• Breast milk fortified with bovine products
• Formula fed in NICU setting

Documentation

• NICU records showing formula use
• Medical records with NEC diagnosis
• Surgical records if applicable
• Death certificate if infant passed