Minneapolis Baby Formula NEC Injury Lawyers
Enfamil & Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits
For many years, doctors have recommended that babies born prematurely receive their nutrition from cow milk-based baby formula or fortifier. However, studies dating back to 1983 have found that preterm infants exclusively fed cow milk-based formulas are at a significantly higher risk of developing the devastating digestive disease Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Now, parents across the country are taking legal action to demand justice and compensation.
If your child had Enfamil, Similac, or another brand of cow milk-based baby formula and then was diagnosed with NEC, GoldenbergLaw in Minneapolis wants to hear from you. Please dial (800) 504-0281 today, so our baby formula NEC injury attorneys can see if you have a valid claim.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal illness that mostly affects premature babies because they have weaker immune systems. Due to preterm babies’ weak immune and digestive systems, their bodies have a harder time fighting off intestinal infections and delivering much-needed blood to the intestines. This lack of blood flow damages intestinal tissue and can lead to tissue death. Severe cases of NEC can cause bacteria to leak from the intestines into the abdomen or bloodstream and increase the risk of a life-threatening blood infection called sepsis.
Do I Have an NEC Lawsuit?
If your child was born prematurely and was diagnosed with NEC after consuming cow milk-based baby formula, you may have a claim against the formula manufacturer. The Minneapolis baby formula injury attorneys at GoldenbergLaw have more than 35 years of experience representing families of children injured by defective products. Contact us today for a free NEC baby formula lawsuit consultation.
Cow Milk-Based Baby Formulas
Cow milk-based formula is considered a potential cause of NEC. Human milk is easier to digest than other alternatives and contains substances that fight infection and strengthen intestinal cells. Studies have consistently found that premature infants who consume human milk after birth are at lower risk of developing infections such as NEC. Nearly half of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in the United States are now using human milk fortifiers for preterm nourishment for this reason.
Enfamil (manufactured by Mead Johnson Nutrition) and Similac (manufactured by Abbott Laboratories) are popular cow milk-based formula substitutes for human milk. Neither Enfamil nor Similac has warning labels on their products to alert parents of the increased risk to their premature infants of developing NEC if they are fed cow milk-based formulas.
Symptoms of NEC
NEC usually develops two to six weeks after birth and include these symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing
- Diarrhea with bloody stool
- Green or yellow vomit
- Lack of weight gain
- Lethargy
How is NEC Diagnosed?
NEC is typically diagnosed after a full examination and results of one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests to check for bacteria or other signs of an infection.
- Fecal tests to check for blood in the stool.
- X-rays to check for air bubbles of gas around the intestines and abdomen, which could suggest damage to the bowl.
How Common Is NEC?
Thousands of babies in the United States develop NEC every year. Roughly 10% of premature infants suffer from the disease, and it is the reason behind about 3% of all NICU admissions. The disease has a 30% mortality rate.
Nearly 90% of babies who get NEC are born prematurely. NEC usually affects babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy, babies who are fed through a tube in the stomach (enteral nutrition), and babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth.
Let GoldenbergLaw Help
If your premature infant developed NEC after receiving Enfamil, Similac, or another cow milk-based baby formula, contact GoldenbergLaw today for a free consultation. We can deliver the Gold Standard advocacy you and your child deserve.
Personal injury attorney, Noah Lauricella, sat down for a Q&A about his life as an attorney and his involvement with the NEC cases. To read more, click here.
