NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Filed Against Abbot Labs Over Preemie Death

In January 2022, a Chicago mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Abbott Labs, manufacturer of Similac infant formulas. She contends that her premature son’s death was caused by complications after he ingested Similac Special Care formula, which has been linked to a dangerous intestinal condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). 

When the plaintiffs’ baby was born prematurely in 2019, a human milk fortifier was added to breast milk about two weeks later.  Similac Special Care 30 calorie formula was also given to the preemie every few hours. He started showing signs of NEC, including pale skin, fast heartbeat, abdominal distention, and bloating. He was later diagnosed with stage III NEC. The baby died at less than six weeks old, never making it out of the NICU. The lawsuit claims that the baby’s parents were unaware of the link between the formula their baby was receiving and the risk of NEC.

NEC is a devastating gastrointestinal disease that may occur in premature infants. It occurs when the wall of the intestine is invaded by bacteria, which cause local infection and inflammation that can ultimately destroy the wall of the bowel (intestine). The condition usually develops between two and six weeks after birth.

Who Is Eligible to File a Baby Formula Lawsuit?

If your preterm baby was given Enfamil or Similac formula while in the NICU and was diagnosed with NEC that required surgery, caused ongoing problems, or resulted in death, please call our law firm today. You may be eligible to file an Enfamil lawsuit or a Similac lawsuit.