NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits | Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants

The Lyon Firm is investigating new cases of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns on behalf of families nationwide. There have been numerous allegations of baby formula products contributing to NEC in infants, and a jury recently awarded $495 million to the family of an infant who suffered serious complications from NEC after using an Abbott premature infant formula. There are dozens of other NEC baby formula injury lawsuits pending in other states.

Who Can File an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?

Parents of an infant diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, or experienced symptoms of short bowel syndrome, perforated bowel, and other stomach ailments should contact our legal team to discuss taking legal action. You may be able to file a personal injury baby formula lawsuit if your child suffered from these conditions before 34 weeks gestational age.

• To have a viable claim, the infant in question must have had surgery for NEC or other stomach/bowel issues or be deceased.
• The injured infant must have been born from 2007 to the present.

What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening gastrointestinal medical condition that primarily affects premature newborns. The condition, which can develop very quickly, inflames intestinal tissue, and can lead to a perforation in the baby's large intestine (colon). Bacteria can leak into the abdomen or bloodstream through the hole.

If it does occur, NEC usually develops within two to six weeks after birth. The most susceptible babies weigh less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces (1,500 grams). The smaller and more premature the infant, the higher the risk for NEC. Infants are at risk when not enough blood and oxygen reach a newborn’s immature intestinal tissues.

Healthcare providers classify necrotizing enterocolitis based on when symptoms start and what caused the condition. The different types of NEC include:

• Classic: This most common type usually affects infants born before 28 weeks of pregnancy, and occurs three to six weeks after birth.
• Transfusion-associated: Any infant that requires a blood transfusion to treat anemia can be an increased risk.
• Term infant: Full-term babies with a birth defect like a congenital heart condition or gastroschisis can develop NEC.
• Bacteria, such as e. Coli,in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) may cause

The Link Between NEC and Baby Formula

Any premature infant is at risk for NEC, but newborns who don't initially get breast fed, and rather rely on formula, are more likely to develop NEC. The reason for this is that breast milk is easier to digest than baby formula, and also contains substances that act as a natural antibiotic, helping to fight off potential infection.

Contact an experienced birth injury and product defect lawyer to properly handle your infant formula lawsuit. We offer free consultations to families whose premature babies suffered or died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after ingesting Similac and Enfamil baby formula.

What are the Symptoms of NEC?

Each case is unique, but many children show the same signs of gastro-distress. Symptoms may include:

• Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
• Short bowel syndrome
• Perforated bowel
• Food not moving properly through to the colon
• Green bile in the stomach
• Bloody bowel movements

Treatment for this condition will depend on the newborn’s symptoms, age, and general health.

Families of an injured child can file a single personal injury suit or possibly join an existing class action lawsuit against the companies that produced a defective baby formula. In 2024, a jury awarded $60 million to mothers whose infants died from NEC. Contact our birth injury attorneys to learn more about your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis and assume all financial risks.

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