Information Regarding Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit Claims

Toxic baby formula lawsuits have been filed around the country alleging that the popular cow-milk-based baby formulas, such as Similac and Enfamil, have caused many premature babies to develop a serious gastrointestinal infection called necrotizing enterocolitis (“NEC”). The toxic baby formula NEC lawsuit is based upon medical research and clinical studies which have established that cow milk formulas such as Similac and Enfamil significantly increase the risk of NEC, a dangerous bowel infection. NEC can cause rapid decay and death of tissue in a baby’s inner intestinal walls. The result varies from mild discomfort to death.

Symptoms of NEC in infants include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling

• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure

• Changes in body temperature and breathing

• Diarrhea with bloody stool

• Green or yellow vomit

• Lethargy

• Refusal to eat and lack of weight gain

The manufacturers of these formulas, Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil), failed to warn about the risks of NEC associated with using these products. Though the scientific evidence has been around a while, recent research has confirmed that premature babies who are given Similac or Enfamil or other cow-milk-based formulas have a significantly higher risk of NEC compared to those who are fed breast milk – as much as 10 times more. This led the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other public health organizations to caution caregivers about using such formulas with premature babies. Some of these products are available in stores while others are only made available to hospitals. Still, no warnings were given to anyone by the manufacturers.

Because of the numerous cases and claims, these toxic baby formula lawsuits will probably result in some form of consolidated class action, such as an MDL (multidistrict litigation).

If your child received cow’s milk baby formula in the maternity ward or NICU of a hospital, or you received cow’s milk formula as a present from the hospital, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with NEC, you may be eligible to file a toxic baby formula lawsuit. The product liability lawyers at Jinks, Crow & Dickson handle many MDL and class action cases and are investigating and pursuing NEC toxic baby formula lawsuit cases as well. Contact an NEC injury lawyer at Jinks, Crow & Dickson today to receive a free initial consultation.