Enfamil Formula Lawsuit Alleges NEC Caused Infant’s Wrongful Death

new born baby in NICU

A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that popular infant formula Enfamil caused the death of a newborn baby. The baby’s father filed the suit against Mead Johnson, maker of the cow’s milk-based baby formula. The lawsuit claims that the formula caused a dangerous condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, which led to the baby’s death.

NEC is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when intestinal tissue grows thin and dies, causing holes in the intestinal walls. Bacteria can enter into the infant’s abdomen or blood stream through those holes, leading to infection or other serious health risks. The condition usually develops between two and six weeks after birth, and can be fatal. Studies have indicated the link between cow’s milk-based formula and NEC for many years, including a recent report from the CDC. The report indicated that breast milk decreases the risk of NEC in babies born with very low birth weight. The CDC also reported that that at 13% of NICUs in the U.S., premature babies have no access to human donor milk.

In the complaint filed in a Louisiana District Court, the baby’s father contends that his premature daughter developed NEC during her stay in the NICU and passed away during her first month of life. The grieving father’s allegations mirror those of many other parents, including claims that Mead Johnson knew about the increased risk of NEC that premature babies faced after ingesting Enfamil, yet promoted its products to hospitals and consumers without proper warnings. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac brand baby formula, concerning the same allegations.

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. Grant & Eisenhofer P.A. attorneys can evaluate your potential claim with you during a free consultation.

Our lawyers take cases nationwide. Call us at (888) 984-7988 or fill out our contact form to speak with an attorney about your potential case.