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.
Why Choose Joye Law Firm for Your Enfamil or Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Choosing 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.
Emerging 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.
If 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:
