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    Parents trust that the baby formula they feed their newborns will provide the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. If your baby developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Enfamil or Similac formula, you’re not alone. Many families are dealing with the devastating impact of this condition.

    NEC is a serious and often life-threatening illness that affects premature infants, leading to inflammation and damage in the intestines. Research suggests that certain cow’s milk-based formulas, like Enfamil and Similac, may increase the risk of NEC in vulnerable babies.

    At Joye Law Firm, we understand the heartbreak and frustration parents feel when their newborn is harmed by something that was supposed to nourish them. You trusted these companies to provide safe products, but now you’re left dealing with the consequences. That’s why families across South Carolina are pursuing Enfamil and Similac baby formula lawsuits—seeking justice for their children and holding these manufacturers accountable.

    If you believe your baby’s NEC diagnosis is linked to Enfamil or Similac, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your legal options. We’re here to help you find a path forward.

    FREE CASE EVALUATION

     

    Why Choose Joye Law Firm for Your Enfamil or Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?

    Mark Joye and Ken Harrell talking about a caseChoosing the right law firm to handle your Enfamil or Similac NEC lawsuit can make all the difference in your case. At Joye Law Firm, we bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to helping families who have been harmed by unsafe products.

    Since 1968, we’ve fought for the rights of South Carolinians, and we understand the emotional and financial toll that a life-changing diagnosis  can have on your family. Our compassionate team will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and guide you every step of the way so you feel supported and informed during this difficult time.

    When you hire Joye Law Firm to seek justice for your baby who was injured by a formula not suitable for premature infants, you benefit from the combined strength of two law firms. While we take the lead as your primary advocate, we partner with a firm that has a proven track record of successfully trying similar cases. This collaboration ensures you receive comprehensive legal support, without any additional attorney fees.

    We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates who genuinely care about your family’s well-being. Our team knows how complex these cases can be, especially when going up against large formula manufacturers. Having offices in Charleston, Columbia, Summerville, Clinton, and Myrtle Beach, we have the resources, legal knowledge, and dedication to build a strong case on your behalf.

    From investigating the link between these cow’s milk-based formulas and NEC to negotiating with manufacturers and, if necessary, taking your case to court—we are prepared to fight for the compensation your family deserves. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: caring for your child.

     

    What is NEC?

    Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a severe gastrointestinal condition that primarily affects premature and low-birth-weight infants. It occurs when the intestinal tissue becomes inflamed, leading to the death of the intestinal cells, which can cause a hole or perforation in the intestines. This allows bacteria to leak into the abdomen or bloodstream, potentially leading to serious infections and other life-threatening complications.

    Here’s what you need to know about NEC:

    • Who It Affects: NEC most commonly affects premature infants, especially those born before 32 weeks of gestation. Babies fed with cow’s milk-based formulas like Enfamil or Similac are at higher risk.
    • Symptoms: The symptoms of NEC can vary, but common signs include feeding intolerance, swollen or bloated belly, vomiting (sometimes with green bile), blood in the stool, lethargy, and changes in heart rate or breathing. These symptoms can escalate quickly, making early detection and treatment critical.
    • Complications: NEC can lead to severe complications, including intestinal perforation, infection, sepsis, and, in some cases, death. Even with prompt medical intervention, NEC can cause long-term health issues such as intestinal strictures, short bowel syndrome, and developmental delays.
    • Treatment: Treatment for NEC often involves stopping feeding, inserting a tube to relieve gas in the stomach, administering antibiotics, and providing intravenous nutrition. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the damaged part of the intestine.

    Recent lawsuits have linked popular baby formulas, Enfamil and Similac, to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants. Studies suggest that these cow’s milk-based formulas are more likely to cause NEC in premature babies than breast milk or other non-cow’s milk-based alternatives. The manufacturers of Enfamil and Similac did not provide adequate warnings about this risk, leaving many parents unaware of the potential dangers.

    NEC Lawsuit Updates

    NEC lawsuits involving infant formulas like Similac and Enfamil are currently ongoing, with new developments continuing to shape the litigation. As these cases progress and additional rulings or directives are issued, Joye Law Firm is committed to keeping you informed. Stay tuned for the latest information regarding claims, court decisions, and verification protocols related to NEC lawsuits.

    • August 2024: A Missouri jury awarded $495 million to a family whose infant suffered from NEC after being given Similac infant formula while in the neonatal intensive care unit in 2021. The verdict ordered Similar manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories Inc to pay $90 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages.
    • May 2024: Court directive established new verification protocols for lawsuits involving infant formulas, particularly focusing on brands like Similac and Enfamil. Under the order, plaintiffs must now verify the specific brand of formula—either Similac or Enfamil—allegedly connected to their claims. For lawsuits against Mead Johnson (Enfamil), plaintiffs are required to confirm that Enfamil was consumed, either through hospital records or by issuing subpoenas for verification.
    • March 2024: Mead Johnson was ordered to pay $60 million to plaintiffs in the first MDL trial.
    • October 2023: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Abbott in October 2023, stating that one of its formula products was marketed as a probiotic for preterm infants, which raised concerns about its safety and efficacy.
    • April 2022: The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued a transfer order consolidating all pending lawsuits into an MDL assigned to the U.S. District Court: Northern District of Illinois.

     

    Why Are Families Filing Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits?

    Parents across the country are taking legal action against the makers of Enfamil and Similac, claiming that these companies failed to warn about the dangers their products pose to premature babies. The NEC lawsuits argue that the formula manufacturers knew or should have known about the risks but did not properly inform doctors or parents. This lack of warning has left many families facing unexpected medical bills, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, the heartbreaking loss of their baby.

    If your baby developed NEC after being fed Enfamil or Similac, you might be eligible to join these lawsuits. Filing a claim can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages. It’s also a way to hold these companies accountable for putting profits over the safety of vulnerable infants.

    Mark Joye and Ken Harrell discussing a caseEmerging research suggests a troubling connection between cow’s milk-based infant formulas, such as Enfamil and Similac, and a higher risk of NEC in premature infants. While the exact cause of NEC remains unclear, studies have shown that preemies fed cow’s milk-based formulas are more likely to develop NEC.

    Key Research Findings:

    • A landmark 1990 study published in The Lancet found that premature infants fed cow’s milk-based formulas were 6 to 10 times more likely to develop NEC than those who were exclusively fed breast milk.
    • A 2010 study in the Journal of Pediatrics highlighted that premature babies who were given a diet of only human milk had significantly lower rates of NEC compared to those who received cow’s milk-based formulas.
    • Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2018 confirmed that cow’s milk-based formulas are linked to increased rates of NEC in very low birth weight infants.

    If your baby developed NEC after consuming Enfamil or Similac, you may be entitled to seek legal action against the formula manufacturers.

    Which Infant Formulas Are Affected?

    The risk of NEC in premature newborns is linked to baby formulas and human milk fortifiers derived from cow’s milk. The two most common brands include these Enfamil and Similar formulas:

    Enfamil Baby Formula by Mead Johnson & Company

    • Enfacare Powder
    • Enfamil 24 & DHA & ARA Supplement
    • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
    • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
    • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
    • 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

    Similac Baby Formula by Abbott Laboratories

    • Similac Alimentum
    • Similac Alimentum Expert Care
    • Similac Human Milk Fortifier
    • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid
    • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein- Concentrated Liquid
    • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder
    • Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
    • Similac NeoSure
    • Similac Special Care
    • Similac Special Care 20
    • Similac Special Care 24
    • Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
    • Similac Special Care 30

    If your child was fed cow’s milk-based formula from another manufacturer, you may still have grounds for an NEC baby formula lawsuit. Contact Joye Law Firm to discuss your case for free.

    Compensation Available in an Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

    If your baby developed NEC after being fed Enfamil or Similac formula, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover the financial and emotional impact of this serious condition. The compensation available in these lawsuits typically includes:

    • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care related to your baby’s NEC diagnosis.
    • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain your baby endured, as well as the emotional distress experienced by both you and your family during this challenging time.
    • Long-Term Care Costs: Financial support for any long-term care needs your child may have as a result of NEC, such as developmental therapy, special education, or other medical needs.
    • Loss of Quality of Life: Damages for how NEC has affected your child’s ability to live a normal, healthy life, including potential lifelong complications.
    • Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases where NEC leads to the loss of a child, families may be eligible to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.

    Every case is unique, and the exact compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation. Contact Joye Law Firm to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.

    Am I Eligible for an Enfamil or Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?

    Joye Law Firm attorneys discussing a caseIf your baby was diagnosed with NEC after being fed Enfamil or Similac formula, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers. These lawsuits aim to hold formula companies accountable for failing to warn parents and healthcare providers about the potential risks associated with their products. Here are some factors that could make you eligible:

    • Your Baby Was Premature: NEC primarily affects premature or low-birth-weight infants. If your baby was born before 37 weeks gestation or severely underweight (under 2,500 grams, or 5 pounds, 8 ounces) and was fed Enfamil or Similac, this could be a critical factor in your case.
    • Your Baby Consumed Cow’s Milk-Based Formula: Eligibility often depends on whether your child was fed a cow’s milk-based formula, such as Enfamil or Similac, either in the hospital or at home.
    • NEC Diagnosis: To be eligible, your baby must have been diagnosed with NEC. Medical records confirming the diagnosis will be important evidence in your case.
    • Resulting Medical Complications: If your baby suffered serious complications or required treatment or surgery due to NEC, this could strengthen your claim.

    It doesn’t matter if:

    • You didn’t know about the risks of these formulas
    • The hospital gave your baby the formula without asking you
    • Your baby has recovered from NEC

    Every family’s story is different. Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, it’s worth talking to us. We can help figure out if you have a case.

    Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula and NEC FAQs

    How long do I have to file an NEC lawsuit?

    In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. However, some exceptions can extend or reduce this deadline. It’s crucial to act quickly, as waiting too long could prevent you from pursuing a claim. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure your case is filed within the legal deadlines applicable in your state.

    How do I prove that Enfamil or Similac caused my baby’s NEC?

    Proving that Enfamil or Similac contributed to your baby’s NEC involves gathering medical records, feeding logs, and expert testimony. Our legal team will work with medical experts to review your child’s medical history, including the timing of NEC development in relation to formula feeding. This evidence can help establish the link between the cow’s milk-based formula and your baby’s condition.

    Can I file a lawsuit if my baby has recovered from NEC?

    Yes, even if your baby has recovered from NEC, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit. NEC can have long-term impacts, including ongoing medical issues or developmental delays, which can affect your child’s quality of life. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for past and future medical expenses and other related costs.

    What should I do if I suspect my baby’s NEC was caused by formula?

    If you suspect that your baby’s NEC was caused by Enfamil or Similac formula, it’s important to take immediate steps. Preserve all medical records, feeding logs, and any documentation related to your child’s diagnosis and treatment. Contact Joye Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and learn about your legal options. We’re here to help guide you through this challenging time.

    Get the Help You Need with Your Enfamil or Similac NEC Lawsuit

    Learning your baby has NEC is heartbreaking. Dealing with medical bills and worrying about the future is overwhelming. You don’t have to face this alone. At Joye Law Firm, we’re here to help you through this tough time.

    Our lawyers can:

    • Listen to your story and explain your legal options in simple terms
    • Handle all the paperwork and legal details so you can focus on your family
    • Fight to recover money for medical bills, future care, and your family’s suffering
    • Stand up to big formula companies on your behalf

    You’ve been through enough already. Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders. We’ll treat you like family and fight for the justice your baby deserves. Contact us today at (888) 324-3100 or through our online form. We offer free, no-pressure consultations. Let’s talk about how we can help your family move forward.

    Remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for you every step of the way.

    Contact Us