Product liability lawsuits are being filed alleging the popular baby formula, Similac, caused premature infants to develop a serious gastrointestinal infection called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
Our product liability and mass tort firm is seeking potential Similac lawsuits against the formula manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories Inc., for failure to warn about the risks of NEC associated with Similac. If you bring a successful baby formula NEC lawsuit you could receive significant financial compensation.
One such lawsuit was recently settled in St. Louis, Missouri state court for $495M in damages. A jury found that the formula for premature infants caused an Illinois girl to develop NEC.
Link Between Similac & NEC in Premature Babies
Similac, which is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, is one of the most popular brands of infant formula in the United States. Like many other infant formulas, Similac is made from cow milk, which is formulated to substitute for human breast milk.
Recent medical research studies have conclusively established that cow milk formulas such as Similac are dangerous for premature infants because they greatly increase the risk Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
What Is NEC & Why Is It So Dangerous?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal bacterial infection that can cause rapid death of tissue in the inner intestinal walls of an infant. NEC usually occurs in premature babies (born 37 weeks or earlier) and the infection can develop in the large or small intestine. The necrotizing infection starts in the inner intestinal wall lining and gradually spreads to the entire thickness of the intestine.
Cases of NEC tend to range in severity. In some infants, NEC may be very mild and only cause discomfort from inflammation of the bowels. In other cases, NEC can be very serious and potentially fatal for the baby. Severe cases of NEC that are not immediately and effectively treated can cause a hole or perforation to develop in the intestinal wall. This can lead to short bowel syndrome, a condition the child will carry for the rest of their life.
When perforation of the intestine occurs with NEC, it creates a very dangerous situation that is potentially life-threatening. The hole in the intestine wall enables harmful bacteria to escape the digestive system and invade the abdominal cavity. This can quickly lead to a system-wide infection and eventually progress into the deadly bloodstream infection called Sepsis.
Formula Companies Ignored the Risk of NEC
Similac infant formula is manufactured and sold by the Chicago-based company Abbott Laboratories Inc. Abbott and other formula manufacturers have long been aware of the scientific evidence linking cow milk formulas to higher rates of NEC in premature babies. However, Abbott has never included a warning on its product labeling for Similac cautioning parents or doctors about the risks of giving Similac to preemies.
Similac Baby Formula Brands Mentioned in Lawsuits
- Similac Special Care
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac Alimentum
- Similac Alimentum Expert Care
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
- Similac Special Care 30
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein- Concentrated Liquid
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac Alimentum Expert Care
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
- Similac Special Care 30
Product manufacturers such as Abbott have a legal obligation to warn consumers about known risks and dangers associated with their products. Abbott has made a choice not to include any warnings about NEC on its product labeling for Similac. Abbott’s failure to warn about NEC risks for preemies is the primary legal theory in the Similac NEC lawsuits being filed against the company.
Contact Our Similac NEC Lawyers Today
The infant formula lawyers at Bart Durham Injury Law are actively seeking Similac NEC lawsuits from parents of premature infants who were fed with Similac (or other cow milk based formula) and subsequently developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
You can call our experienced team right now at 800-844-1712 or contact us online.
