If your baby is born early, they may require additional nutrition and care to support their growth and offset the low birth weight they likely had. In some cases, medical professionals advise parents of premature babies to provide them with formula early in their life.
While this may be beneficial in some ways, there is some evidence that shows some formula brands can result in infants developing a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a digestive condition that can be deadly.
What makes this situation even worse is that some baby formula manufacturers, such as Mead Johnson & Company and Abbott Laboratories, have not included this side effect in their product’s warning labels. This has resulted in even more parents putting their children at serious risk for injury and illness.
There are a few things that a parent of a premature baby is likely stressed about. Because of this, they should not have to worry about the unsafe formula. Mead Johnson & Company and Abbott Laboratories are responsible for ensuring that all their products are safe for use before they are sold. This is especially the case if one of these products is being given to a premature baby. While this is true, they have acted negligently, and families across the country have lost their children because of it.
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Is There a Current Lawsuit Against Baby Formula Manufacturers and Products?
There have been several lawsuits filed by parents after their babies developed necrotizing enterocolitis after ingesting Enfamil or Similac baby formula. Based on the information contained in the lawsuits, the product manufacturers did not warn the parents about the formula’s health risks. This resulted in many parents giving it to their premature babies and serious issues resulting.
What Is NEC – Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
NEC is a type of digestive disease that most commonly occurs in premature infants. It can result in the inflammation of the baby’s intestinal lining, which may cause a serious and even life-threatening infection.
In these situations, the inflamed wall of the intestine erodes away, which causes bacteria to get into the intestinal tract, which can cause significant harm to the infant’s health. The doctor who oversees your baby’s care should watch for symptoms of NEC, which include:
- Low blood pressure
- Tender, red, or swollen stomach
- Abnormal breathing
- Abdominal pressure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Diarrhea
Usually, infants who develop this disease will survive but may face long-term, serious injuries. However, in more severe cases, they could die. Parents should not have to fear for the safety of their child due to baby formula. If you have encountered these diseases, it is important to reach out to our law firm so we can help you hold the negligent manufacturers accountable for the issues and diseases they have caused.
What Baby Formulas Have Caused NEC?
Based on several studies, Enfamil and Similac products have been linked to this digestive disorder in babies.
More specifically, these products should be disposed of and replaced with a safer option:
- Enfamil 24 Cal
- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac Special Care 24 – High Protein
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac Special Care 30
- Similac Special Care 24
What Baby Formula Manufacturers Have Been Sued for This?
Enfamil’s manufacturer Mead Johnson and Company and Similac’s manufacturer Abbott Laboratories have both been sued by the parents of children who experienced health problems after consuming their formula products.
According to one scientific study, there was a link discovered between the cow-milk baby formulas and NEC. As mentioned above, this is a potentially life-threatening disease for premature babies. However, even minor cases can lead to serious damage and digestive issues for the rest of the child’s life. What is even worse about this situation is that the manufacturers did not list the risks associated with these products, which has resulted in parents filing lawsuits to end this type of unethical behavior and to help prevent other parents and babies from the same issues.
Taking Legal Action For Toxic Baby Formula Injuries
If your baby has experienced issues due to the formulas mentioned above, you have legal rights. In fact, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the injuries you incurred because of this unsafe formula.
The best way to know if you have a case worth pursuing is to reach out to our legal team. We can review your case and situation to help ensure that you get justice and that these manufacturers are held responsible for their unsafe products. Being informed is a must and the best way to protect your rights.
