NEC Baby Formula Brands
May 9, 2022
In 2022, many lawsuits have already been filed against the makers of cow’s milk-based formulas. While Enfamil® and Similac® are the two brands most commonly mentioned in the lawsuits, produced by Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories, respectively, any cow milk formula carries an increased risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies.
Knowledge of the risk of bacterial infection in premature infants has been around for at least 30 years. This knowledge is at the heart of these NEC baby formula lawsuits.
Simply put, baby formula manufacturers failed to warn parents of the risk that is associated with cow milk formulas.
Premature infants and low birth weight infants typically need to have their diets supplemented with infant formula because breast milk alone may not allow the baby to thrive and develop properly. This is normal, and your child’s pediatrician can advise you the best diet for your little one.
NEC in Premature Infants
Any infant can develop NEC if the bacteria is introduced into their digestive system. However, the risk of NEC is much higher in a preterm infant.
When your child is sick, the first thing on your mind is taking care of the child and making sure they are okay. The fatality rate of NEC in preterm babies is staggering. Immediate medical attention is of the utmost importance.
Preterm infants that develop NEC are likely to spend considerable amounts of time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The cost of this treatment can quickly add up. When you factor in any future care associated with the illness, the cost of care is staggering. Many premature infants developing NEC may have a lifetime of gastrointestinal issues. Some babies may even have to have a portion of their intestines removed due to the infection.
A successful NEC infant formula lawsuit can help to ensure that your child has the means to afford the current and future medical care that they will need.
Baby Formula Manufacturers
Lawsuits against product manufacturers usually center on the inherent risks that the companies were aware of but failed to warn consumers about. Consumers have a right to know the risks associated with products that they use. Parents have a right to know about the risks of products they give their children.
The issue comes when corporations put profits ahead of people. In this case, many manufacturers of cow’s milk-based formula knew of the risk of two types of bacteria, Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella Bacteria, which tend to survive the manufacturing process.
These bacteria can live on and thrive in the dry powder formula. While baby formulas are the most well-known carriers of these bacteria, certain other products, such as human milk fortifiers, can also be contaminated.
If you have a child that has developed injuries, particularly gastrointestinal injuries after consuming any dry powder formula product, call our office today.
Breast Milk
Preterm infants have a greater risk of many illnesses and diseases simply because many parts of their body are underdeveloped. In many cases, the immune system is not as developed as it would be in a full term baby. Due to this underdevelopment, bacterial infections can lead to much worse outcomes in premature babies than in babies born after a full term pregnancy.
Premature babies fed only human breast milk are much less likely to develop Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) than formula fed babies. Mother’s breast milk is still recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life. However, out of necessity, premature infants are fed baby formula to increase their caloric and nutritional intake. Formula feeding is often recommended to supplement the natural diet of the child.
These facts put parents in a tough spot. When you have a premature baby, your options are limited. That does not mean that companies such as Abbott laboratories and Mead Johnson do not have to warn you and other consumers of the risks associated with their products. Remember, always talk to your child’s pediatrician before making changes to their diet.
Cow Milk Formula
Infant formulas that are produced using modified cow’s milk do carry an inherent risk of harming a premature baby. It is important to talk to your child’s doctor about the risks and benefits of your child’s diet.
We are lawyers, not doctors. But if your child has suffered injuries after ingesting baby formula, then you need experienced baby formula lawyers. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Infant Formula Lawsuits can be complicated and lengthy. Abbott and Mead Johnson, makers of Similac® and Enfamil®, are large powerful corporations with virtually unlimited resources. You need an attorney that is experienced and knows how to fight large companies. Our firm has that experience in fighting large, powerful companies and we are ready to fight for your child and your family.
What Products are affected by the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
- 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 Powder
- Similac® Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac® Special Care 20
- Similac® Special Care 24
- Similac® Special Care 24 High Protein
- Enfamil® Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
- Enfamil® Human Milk Fortifier Powder
- Similac® Special Care 30
- Similac® Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein- Concentrated Liquid
- 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® 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement
This list is not exhaustive in terms of products that cause these injuries, but rather just a few examples.
If your child consumed cow milk based formula and suffered injuries, including NEC, please give our compassionate team of personal injury lawyers a call to see how we can help. We have a long track record of helping people and families. We help them through some of the worst times in their lives, and we are ready and willing to do the same for your child and your family.
Who We Are
We are Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers. We’re local lawyers with families right here in your community. We know the importance of family as well as the importance of holding companies responsible when they don’t put consumer’s rights and product safety ahead of profits.
Hughes and Coleman has a team of caring and experienced attorneys ready and willing to fight for your loved one. We are located at 1256 Campbell Ln #201, Bowling Green, KY 42104. There is never a fee unless we recover money for you! Get it done – Call today at 800-800-4600.