St. Louis, MO NEC Infant Formula Litigation Attorneys
Numerous lawsuits have been filed in recent years against the manufacturers of Enfamil and Similac for failing to warn parents and medical professionals about the risks associated with cow-based formulas when fed to premature infants.
These lawsuits claim that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the link between cow’s milk-based formulas and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), yet they failed to provide adequate warnings. The families of infants who have developed NEC after ingesting these formulas have sought justice and compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and, in some tragic cases, wrongful death.
Litigation for these cases has seen positive results, with plaintiffs prevailing in two trials and awarded substantial recoveries. At Carey Danis & Lowe, we’re dedicated to helping families whose premature infants have suffered life-threatening injuries after receiving cow-based infant formulas. Our NEC infant formula litigation attorneys will work with you to investigate your claim, determine eligibility, and help pursue the compensation your family deserves.
The Risks of Infant Formula
Strong scientific evidence suggests a link between cow’s milk-based formula and NEC in premature infants. NEC affects 2-5% of all premature infants and is responsible for around 8% of NICU admissions. Overall, death rates range from 10-50% but rise to nearly 100% in the most severe cases involving sepsis, perforation, and peritonitis.
In addition to NEC, a broad range of intolerances, allergic disorders, and serious health issues have been tied to cow’s milk protein in infant diets, including:
- Intestinal perforation
- Sepsis
- Allergic proctocolitis
- Microbial dysbiosis
Formula manufacturers’ failure to properly warn parents and even healthcare providers of these risks has required legal action to hold them accountable.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. It occurs when the tissue in the infant’s intestines becomes inflamed, which can lead to tissue death and, in some cases, a perforation in the intestinal wall. This perforation can allow harmful bacteria to enter the abdomen, causing a deadly infection.
When NEC occurs, it can progress rapidly. It requires immediate intervention, which may include surgery to dissect and remove the damaged parts of the intestine. Symptoms of NEC can include:
- Abdominal swelling and tenderness
- Bloody stools
- Lethargy
- Difficulty feeding and lack of weight gain
- Difficulty breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Vomiting
NEC can range from mild to severe but often leads to prolonged hospital stays requiring extensive medical treatments. In the most severe and tragic cases, NEC can lead to death.
Qualifications for an NEC Infant Formula Lawsuit
Your family may be eligible for an NEC infant formula lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Your infant was born prematurely.
- They were fed a formula, such as Similac or Enfamil, that contained cow’s milk protein.
- They were subsequently diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Our law firm is actively reviewing and accepting cases for families with affected children. If your child meets the criteria above or has passed away from NEC, contact us as soon as possible to file a claim.
In most states, the statute of limitations lasts until the infant reaches the age of majority, usually age 18, but that varies from state to state. If the claim involves an infant with NEC that occurred several years ago, you may still have a viable claim.
NEC Lawsuit Updates
To date, hundreds of families have filed state NEC infant formula lawsuits to seek justice and compensation. Additionally, Illinois has a class action lawsuit, an MDL, which houses all federal court lawsuits.
Seek Justice for NEC Infant Formula Serious Injuries
If your premature infant was diagnosed with NEC after being fed Enfamil, Similac, or another cow-based formula, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Carey Danis & Lowe, our experienced product liability lawyers in St. Louis are ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable for harming your child. We understand the emotional and financial toll NEC can take on families and are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.