Two New Baby Formula Lawsuits Filed, Claiming Death from NEC

New baby formula lawsuits were recently filed in the Similac formula litigation. The cases allege similar claims that cows’ milk-based Similac baby formulas caused a dangerous intestinal condition known as NEC. NEC causes holes in the intestinal walls, which in preterm infants, are not fully developed. This can lead to bacteria from the intestine leaking into the bloodstream. When this happens, it may prove fatal to preterm infants.

Popularly used in the NICU for decades, Similac (and Enfamil) brand baby formulas have been fed to premature infants to help them gain weight. However, research has suggested a link between these formulas and NEC in premature babies—also for decades. Plaintiffs claim that Mead Johnson (manufacturer of Enfamil), and Abbott (maker of Similac), failed to warn parents and the medical community of this risk, and should have issued warnings on the product labeling. They also maintain that the companies knew or should have known that these formulas may cause significant injury or death to preterm infants.

New Jersey Premature Infant Fed Similac Formulas and Later Died

A New Jersey mother filed a Similac lawsuit in April 2022 over her premature daughter’s death. Born extremely premature on December 30, 2021, the baby was placed in the Morristown Medical Center NICU. According to the lawsuit, the baby was eventually fed breastmilk that was fortified with Similac Human Milk Fortifier or Abbott Nutrition Liquid Protein Fortifier. A few weeks later, the baby transitioned to formula, including Similac Special Care 24 High Protein and Similac Special Care 30 High Protein. By March 14, 2022, however, the baby developed severe abdominal problems caused by NEC. The baby succumbed to organ failure and cardiac arrest. The baby’s mother claims she had not been aware that cow’s milk-based formulas may increase the risk of NEC.

Georgia Family Lost Their Preterm Son After Ingesting Similac

According to another Similac baby formula lawsuit also filed in April 2022, a mother in Georgia contends that her pre-term son’s death resulted from ingesting certain Similac formulas. The baby was born prematurely with a low birth weight, and was transferred to the NICU.  He was fed Similac Neosure infant formula and developed NEC at only 8 days old. Septic shock, caused by NEC, was found to be one of the causes of death. The baby’s mother was also not aware that the formula her baby was fed may contribute to the development of NEC. 

Think You May Have a Similac or Enfamil Lawsuit?

If your preterm baby was given Similac or Enfamil 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 a Similac lawsuit or an Enfamil lawsuit.