Our toxic baby formula lawyers are investigating claims regarding toxic baby formula lawsuits. These claims represent families whose premature infants suffered or died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after use of Similac or Enfamil infant formula. If your premature baby was diagnosed with NEC after consuming Similar or Enfamil formula, you may be able to file a toxic baby formula lawsuit against the manufacturer and receive compensation for their injuries.
Toxic baby formula lawsuits are being filed for premature infants harmed by baby formula. Premature infants often require added nutrition to aide their growth and development. However, many premature infants lack the ability to breastfeed. Instead, they are usually provided with baby formula, including formula.
Most baby formula is derived from cow’s milk mixed with other ingredients to simulate the nutrients in breast milk. Scientific research has indicated that cow milk-based formula can increase an infant’s risk of developing a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The cow-based formula caused a septic response in the stomach of premature babies. This septic response caused holes to form in the infant’s bowels resulting in bleeding and infection. Research about this septic response has existed for years, but baby formula manufacturers such as Similac and Enfamil failed to make changes to their formula in response to the research or warn consumers.
NEC is a disease that affects an infant’s gastrointestinal system. It disproportionately affects premature infants or infants with low birth weights. This condition can be very serious. Inflammation from the bacteria can cause tissue deterioration that perforates the intestines can causes bacteria to seep into the abdomen. Untreated, NEC can cause a serious infection or death.
In the U.S., NEC occurs in roughly 1 out of every 2,000 full-term births. However, the incidence rate in premature infants is much more alarming. Infants who weigh less than 3 lbs. 5 oz have a 10% incidence of NEC.
NEC is a life-threatening disease that is fatal in 15%-40% of cases in premature infants. Most of these fatalities are due to sepsis, a complication that occurs when bacteria from NEC enter the bloodstream.
Infants who survive NEC can still suffer long-term complications from the infection. One third of infected babies develop intestinal strictures that narrow the intestine and make it difficult for food to pass through. This condition may require surgery to correct it and have additional impacts on the baby’s development.
Scientists have not identified the exact cause of NEC, but multiple studies have identified that cow-milk based infant formula, such as Similac and Enfamil, increases the risk of NEC infection in premature infants. Multiple research studies published in the Lancet, the Journal of Pediatrics, and the British Medical Journal support the risk associated with NEC and cow’s milk-based formula for premature infants. Unfortunately, manufactures of infant formula failed to respond to the preponderance of evidence in the literature about this risk. They also chose not to include a warning label on the infant formula to warn consumers about the risk.
The toxic baby formula lawyers at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC, are currently investigating claims by parents whose premature infant suffered NEC while using Similac and Enfamil formula. Other families have already filed claims and have litigation pending. If you want to explore the possibility of a toxic baby formula lawsuit, reach out to our firm to learn about your legal options. We offer a free consultation to listen to your unique situation and explain your legal rights. Contact us today at 215-666-777 or send us a message to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
