(203) 333-3339 Baby Formula Necrotizing Enterocolitis Lawsuits
Recent medical studies have identified a possible link between premature babies fed cow’s milk-based baby formulas and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially life-threatening medical condition.
Manufacturers of the baby formulas may have known about the risks their products posed to premature babies, yet they continued to recommend them for infants.
If your child was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis after being fed formula, you may have a potential claim for compensation. The Connecticut NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Lawyer of the Wocl Leydon team understands how devastating this has been for you and your family. We’re ready to help.
Get Your FREE Case Review,
In Person or Virtually Online
Do I Qualify for a Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit?
You and your family may qualify to file an NEC lawsuit if your child developed NEC after having been fed baby formula based on cow’s milk. In particular, your family may qualify for a lawsuit if:
- Your child was given a cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier before being diagnosed with NEC
- Your child was diagnosed with NEC
- Your child suffered death or serious injuries such as shortened bowel syndrome
- Your child was born at 36 weeks or less
- The occurrence was in 2006 or after
When you reach out to our firm, you will find that we treat our clients like family. We know that every client who comes to us is dealing with one of the most challenging periods in their life. That’s why we take our work so seriously, providing all the support we can by easing the stress of navigating a legal claim and pursuing full financial recovery and justice.
If your child has suffered from NEC due to toxic baby formula, reach out to the product liability lawyers of Wocl Leydon today for a free initial case evaluation. We are ready to explain how our firm can help your family seek the compensation you deserve.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a disease that normally impacts the digestive tracts of premature and low-weight babies. NEC rarely occurs in babies of healthy weight. A bacterial infection in the lining of a baby’s intestine causes NEC.
Premature babies typically have weaker immune systems and thinner intestinal tissue since they are still developing. The infected tissue may start to die, which can destroy the inner wall of the intestine and result in perforations that can cause stool to leak into a baby’s abdomen. When this occurs, it can lead to widespread infection, sepsis, organ failure, and ultimately death.
What Baby Formula Products Can Cause NEC?
Premature and low-weight babies are often fed formula based on cow’s milk products while the babies recover in the labor and delivery department or NICU department. However, various studies have identified a possible risk for premature and low-weight babies who consume infant formula.
One study found premature babies who are fed formula-containing cow’s milk have a higher rate of mortality than babies who are fed only human breast milk. Doctors believe that premature babies’ underdeveloped digestive systems may have a harder time processing cow’s milk. That is especially true when infant formula containing cow’s milk has not been fully sterilized, allowing bacteria in the milk to infect the baby’s intestinal tissues. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that premature babies be fed only human breast milk.
Baby formula products based on or containing cow’s milk may lead to premature babies developing NEC. Examples of formulas that may have used cow’s milk include:
- Enfamil, manufactured by Mead Johnson
- Similac, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories
Diagnosis Of NEC And Treatments For NEC
Symptoms that a baby suffering from NEC might experience include:
- Swollen, tender stomach and abdomen
- Refusal to eat
- Inability to hold down food or formula
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloody stool
- Tiredness
- Fluctuations in body temperature
- Abnormal breath
- Slowed heart rate and low blood pressure
When a baby is diagnosed with NEC, treatment begins with stopping all oral feedings and instead providing nutrients to the baby intravenously. Babies will also be placed on an aggressive course of antibiotics to try to quickly kill the infection. If the infection has progressed enough to have caused the death of intestinal tissue, surgery may be needed to either repair perforated tissue or remove sections of permanently damaged intestine.
How Can A NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Help?
If your baby has suffered NEC, an NEC baby formula lawsuit could provide your family with the financial resources to give your baby the necessary medical care. In severe cases of NEC, your baby may need long-term or even lifelong care, particularly if they have suffered complications such as intestinal removal, neurological impairment, or brain injury.
If your family has suffered the tragedy of losing your child to NEC caused by baby formula, an NEC baby formula lawsuit can help your family by holding manufacturers accountable for misleading marketing and concealing the risks of their products.
NEC baby formula lawsuits can also help protect other children by pressuring formula manufacturers to update their marketing and packaging to warn parents of the risks of formula for premature babies.
Who Is Being Sued For Baby Formula Injuries?
Currently, lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Enfamil and Similac. These lawsuits allege that Mead Johnson and Abbott knew of the dangers of feeding cow’s milk-based baby formula products to premature infants and yet failed to advise consumers of these risks.
In addition, the lawsuits alleged that the manufacturers falsely marketed their baby formula products as a close substitute for human breast milk, even though no scientific studies have found similarities between baby formula and human breast milk. World Health Organization guidelines also warn against marketing claims that suggest formula is comparable to breast milk.
What Settlement Should You Expect From A Similar Lawsuit?
If you have a claim for compensation after your baby was diagnosed with NEC due to toxic formula, you and your family may be entitled to recover compensation for your expenses and losses, including for:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Long-term care expenses
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Your family may also be entitled to recover for your emotional distress and suffering, particularly if your child tragically passed away due to NEC.
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Lawyers with Experience
Don’t wait to begin seeking the accountability and justice you deserve after your baby has been harmed by toxic baby formula. Contact the experts at Wocl Leydon Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and the next steps for seeking financial compensation.
