Currently, several lawsuits are pending against baby formula manufacturers. Plaintiffs claim that baby formula manufacturers sold them products that were unsafe to use.
If you or a loved one wants to take legal action over the toxic baby formula you purchased or used, an NEC baby formula lawsuit lawyer from GED Lawyers can review your situation and explain your legal options. We offer more information below about these lawsuits and how you can pursue your case.
Why Are People Filing NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits?
Parents of premature infants are suing Abbot Laboratories and Mead Johnson for selling baby formula linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially lethal health condition. Similac and Enfamil are the baby formula products at the center of these lawsuits. The plaintiffs suing over the products based their legal actions on the claim that Abbot Laboratories and Mead Johnson failed to warn consumers of the risks associated with their products, causing undue harm.
Baby formula products associated with these lawsuits include the following:
- 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
- Enfacare Powder
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
- Enfamil Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein
- Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
- Enfamil Premature 20 Cal
- Enfamil Premature 24 Cal
- Enfamil Premature 24 Cal/fl oz HP
- Enfamil Premature 30 Cal
- Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
- Similac Special Care 30
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein- Concentrated Liquid
How Does Baby Formula Cause NEC?
A study published in Advances in Nutrition points toward a link between NEC and baby formulas that use bovine (cow) milk – all the baby formulas involved in the NEC lawsuits use bovine milk products. Premature infants that consume bovine milk-based formula experience higher rates of NEC than those that don’t. Some researchers believe bovine milk-based formulas promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
What Is NEC?
NEC is a gastrointestinal condition that impacts premature infants. During NEC, the walls of an infant’s intestinal tract become inflamed and injured. In some cases, the infant’s intestinal walls develop perforation (holes), which can cause waste to spread to other parts of the body. This condition is serious and can require as much as $300,000 in treatment costs.
According to Nemours Children’s Health, common symptoms of NEC include the following:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Difficulty eating
- Less activity and becoming lethargic
- Green vomit
- Hypotension
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
How Can an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Lawyer Help?
NEC baby formula lawsuits are filed into the category of product liability law. In these cases, victims sue manufacturers for distributing unsafe or faulty products.
At GED Lawyers, we can guide you through your NEC baby formula lawsuit. We understand product liability intimately and can apply this knowledge to your case. As your legal representatives, we can:
- Advise you on your case eligibility
- Explain your next steps
- Identify the liable parties in your case
- Manage all case communications
- Answer your questions and explain all laws that apply
- Pursue compensation through a lawsuit or insurance claim
- Estimate your case’s value
Hiring an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Lawyer: How Much Does It Cost?
As noted earlier, treating NEC is often expensive. If your child has this condition, you may face large medical fees, particularly if your health insurer denies you coverage.
At GED Lawyers, we recognize that many of our clients are dealing with difficult financial situations. We vow not to worsen these stresses. Our practice is about providing you peace of mind. To keep matters simple, we work on a contingency fee basis:
- We don’t require any upfront attorney’s fees or costs
- Our team doesn’t get paid unless you receive compensation
What Is My NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Worth?
NEC baby formula lawsuits are ongoing, meaning no victims have received compensation yet. Forbes Advisor suggests that victims could receive large settlements if “a judge or jury determines manufacturers put profit over the health and safety of premature infants.”
However, because these lawsuits are still ongoing, it’s difficult to determine what victims will receive. Factors that could impact the value of your NEC baby formula lawsuit include:
- The law firm you work with
- The severity of your infant’s injuries
- The amount and type of evidence associated with your case
- The outcome of settlement negotiations
Damages Available to Victims
In a lawsuit, damages refer to the losses that victims can receive compensation for. The available damages typically depend on the kind of lawsuit being filed. In an NEC baby formula lawsuit, you could recover the following damages:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income and other benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
Not every loss noted here will apply to every NEC baby formula lawsuit. Similarly, some damages not on this list may apply to your case. At GED Lawyers, we can determine which damages you could receive.
Who Can I File a Lawsuit Against?
Currently, victims are pursuing lawsuits against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories. Both these companies are manufacturers of baby formula. However, in the past, victims have successfully sued doctors for misprescribing baby formula that contained bovine milk products.
The group or individual you can sue depends on your case’s facts. As your legal team, we can assess your unique situation and determine who’s liable for your damages. Then, we can fight for a fair settlement offer.
Am I Eligible for an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
To be eligible for an NEC baby formula lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your child was born prematurely
- Your infant consumed a Similac or Enfamil product that contained bovine milk products
- Your child was diagnosed with NEC or another serious health condition
Other health conditions associated with NEC baby formula lawsuits include the following:
- Bacterial infection
- Sepsis
- Bloody stool
- Abnormal bleeding
- Salmonella
- Death
- Meningitis
- Bowel amputation
NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits Have a Deadline
Every state in the U.S. has a law called the statute of limitations. These laws determine how long victims have to file a lawsuit against those that wronged them. Product liability statute of limitations differs from state to state. Some states allow victims 10 years to file a lawsuit while others allow only two years for legal action.
Therefore, the deadline for your case depends on the state you reside in. Our legal team can advise you of all relevant deadlines so that you submit your lawsuit on time.
Call Us to Learn How Our NEC Baby Formula Lawyer Can Lead Your Case
GED Lawyers has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We have the resources and manpower to stand up to large companies and insurers. Our NEC baby formula lawsuit lawyers care about our clients and will treat you with the compassion you deserve.
We’re accepting inquiries from families affected by unsafe baby formula products. Contact us today for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
