NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Investigation

October 25, 2024

Was your premature baby diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming cow’s milk-based baby formulas like Similac or Enfamil?

(Photo Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock)

NEC is a severe and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. Studies have shown that infants fed cow’s milk-based formulas face a higher risk of developing NEC compared to those given breast milk, donor milk, or human milk-derived formulas.

Families across the country are taking legal action, alleging that companies like Abbott Laboratories (makers of Similac) and Mead Johnson (makers of Enfamil) failed to warn parents and doctors about the risks of NEC from cow’s milk-based formula, which may have led to preventable injuries and deaths.

Were You Affected? 

If your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks) and diagnosed with NEC after consuming cow’s milk-based baby formula, you may have a legal claim.

Major Baby Formula Lawsuit Updates

Legal actions against baby formula manufacturers have gained significant momentum. Over 1,000 baby formula lawsuits have been filed, claiming that companies like Abbott and Mead Johnson knowingly marketed dangerous formulas to vulnerable preterm infants.

Here’s a brief timeline of major developments in the NEC baby formula lawsuits:

  • July 2024: Abbott Laboratories was ordered to pay $495 million to parents whose baby developed NEC after using Similac Special Care 24. This verdict highlights the severity of the claims against the formula manufacturer.
  • June 2024: Over 514 cases were pending in the NEC baby formula multidistrict litigation (MDL), with more cases being added every month.
  • March 2024: A $60 million verdict was awarded to the family of a premature baby who died after consuming Enfamil. This verdict emphasized the dangers of cow’s milk-based formulas for preterm infants.

As these baby formula lawsuits progress, more families are coming forward seeking justice for their children. If your baby was diagnosed with NEC after consuming cow’s milk-based formulas like Similac or Enfamil, don’t wait. Fill out the form now to learn if you qualify for a free legal consultation.

What Are These NEC Lawsuits Alleging?

NEC can lead to tissue death, organ failure and in many cases, fatal consequences. The NEC baby formula lawsuits allege that certain Similac and Enfamil formulas are linked to a heightened risk of NEC in preterm infants. These formulas, which were specifically designed for premature babies, have been tied to severe complications when fed to these vulnerable infants. 

Manufacturers are accused of knowingly marketing Similac and Enfamil formulas while failing to provide adequate warnings about the NEC risks.

Baby Formulas Linked to NEC

The following products are among those being linked to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants:

  • Similac Special Care
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier
  • Similac NeoSure
  • Similac Alimentum
  • Similac Alimentum Expert Care
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder
  • Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
  • Similac Special Care 20
  • Similac Special Care 24
  • Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
  • Similac Special Care 30
  • Enfacare Powder
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
  • Enfamil Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein
  • Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
  • Enfamil Premature 20 Cal
  • Enfamil Premature 24 Cal
  • Enfamil Premature 24 Cal/fl oz HP
  • Enfamil Premature 30 Cal
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
  • Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement

If your baby was given any of these formulas and later developed NEC, you may be eligible to participate in a baby formula lawsuit.

Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

NEC is a life-threatening illness that causes inflammation and tissue death in a baby’s intestines. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including intestinal perforation, infections, and developmental delays. Unfortunately, many babies who develop NEC experience lasting health problems, and in some cases, the condition can be fatal.

Signs of NEC include a swollen, painful abdomen, vomiting, lethargy, and bloody stools. If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care.

If your child has been diagnosed with NEC and was fed cow’s milk-based formula, you may be entitled to compensation. Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.



After you fill out the form, an attorney(s) or their agent(s) may contact you to discuss your legal rights.

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