What Is a Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Similac lawsuits are product liability cases that hold the manufacturer of Similac baby formula responsible for seriously harming children.
Some cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products have been shown to increase the likelihood of NEC in premature or low-birth-weight babies.
A Similac lawsuit allows families to get financial aid if their child developed NEC from using this type of baby formula.
Talk with one of our experienced registered nurses to learn more about your legal options if your child was diagnosed with NEC after using Similac infant formula.
In March 2024, an Illinois jury awarded $60 Million to the family of a child who passed away after developing NEC from Mead Johnson’s Enfamil™ formula.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal disease that can affect premature and low-birth-weight infants.
NEC occurs when the small or large intestinal tissue becomes inflamed or injured. A hole (perforation) can form in the intestinal wall due to this irritation, releasing waste and bacteria into the child’s abdomen and/or bloodstream.
Common NEC symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Dark, bloody stools
- Feeding issues
- Green vomit
- Low blood pressure
- Low energy
- Low heart rate
- Pauses in breathing
- Red, swollen belly
NEC can be life-threatening to premature babies, leading to bacterial infection, brain damage, intestinal scarring, intestinal strictures, short bowel syndrome, sepsis, and even death.
If your child is showing signs of NEC, contact a doctor immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may help prevent serious complications.
Similac Baby Formula & NEC
There is evidence that cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifiers made by Similac increase the risk of NEC.
Low-birth-weight or preterm infants often have a higher likelihood of developing NEC compared to children born full term who were fed breast milk. Smaller children do not have a fully developed digestive system, putting them at greater risk of this deadly condition.
Abbott Laboratories Inc., the company that makes Similac, continues to profit from these products despite the concerns that the formula causes NEC.
List of Similac Products That May Cause NEC
There are several Similac baby formulas that may cause NEC in premature infants. These products have been shown to be very dangerous to young babies.
Some Similac cow’s milk-based formulas and fortifiers include:
- Similac® 360 Total Care®
- Similac® Alimentum®
- Similac® Expert Care® Alimentum®
- Similac® Go & Grow
- 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
There are no recalls on these Similac products as of March 2022. However, there may be a recall on these products in the future.
If your child has an increased risk of NEC, or is showing symptoms of NEC and is currently being fed any of the products listed above, contact your pediatrician.
If your baby developed NEC while being fed Similac or Enfamil™ baby formula, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Get a free case review today to start the process.
Who Can File a Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit?
There are several qualifications that must be met to file a Similac baby formula lawsuit.
You can file a Similac NEC baby formula lawsuit if your baby was:
- Born prematurely or with a low birth weight
- Diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis
- Fed cow’s milk-based formula or milk fortifier made by Similac
An experienced product liability baby formula lawyer can file a NEC lawsuit against Similac on your behalf if you meet these criteria.
How to File a Similac Lawsuit for NEC Baby Formula
A product liability lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a Similac NEC baby formula lawsuit. Product liability attorneys have years of experience helping families just like yours.
A product liability lawyer can help:
- File your claim
- Collect evidence
- Strengthen your argument
- Negotiate settlement amounts
- Represent you in trial if necessary
Product liability attorneys have the experience and resources to win your case and get the money your family deserves.
You can rest assured knowing your claim is in good hands when working with a product liability law firm.
Pursue Similac Lawsuit Settlements for Your Child
Necrotizing enterocolitis can be extremely dangerous and deadly to premature babies. Cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products can increase the risk of this deadly intestinal disease.
Similac did not take proper safety precautions when creating their baby formula products, resulting in many newborns developing NEC. Abbott Laboratories, the company that makes Similac, should be held responsible for harming their consumers.
Thankfully, you can pursue legal action against formula manufacturers to win compensation if your child developed a case of NEC after being fed Similac formula.
Contact our team now to get a free case evaluation.
Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit FAQs
Is Similac baby formula safe?
Unfortunately, some cow’s milk formula and milk fortifier products made by Similac pose a serious threat to low-birth-weight and preterm babies.
These products can cause necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal condition that can be life-threatening to young children. Smaller children with underdeveloped digestive systems have a higher risk of developing NEC compared to full-term babies who are breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Since NEC is an intestinal disease, the condition primarily affects the baby’s digestive system. Common NEC symptoms include constipation, bloody stools, feeding issues, fatigue, swollen belly, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and more.
If your child is showing any signs of NEC, be sure to take them to a medical professional immediately.
Is Similac being recalled?
As of March 2022, there is no recall of Similac cow’s milk-based formula and milk fortifier products for NEC. There may be a recall issued in the future to warn consumers of the dangers of the products.