At least 1,505 babies have died from Similac, according to one study. Premature babies can develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a fatal complication. It has been medically proven that cow's milk formulas like Similac can be deadly for premature babies.
Study Examines Similac's Effects on Babies
A study of 9,121 infants who had surgical or medical treatment of NEC revealed that about 1,505 or 16.5% of them died. Nine hundred ninety-three of the deceased infants died within seven days of diagnosis, while 512 died afterward.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a bacterial infection that develops inside the intestinal wall's tissues and can be fatal for premature babies. When an infant develops NEC, the intestinal tissues become swollen and slowly die. The infection creates a hole or puncture in the intestines as it slowly spreads from the inner part of the intestinal to the outer walls.
A puncture in the intestines from NEC can be fatal because it allows toxic bacteria to ooze. After the infection enters the abdomen, it quickly spreads into the bloodstream and eventually becomes lethal sepsis. Even in situations where NEC is harmless, it can have long-term health ramifications for your infant.
Abbott Laboratories Fails To Warn About Similac
Similac and Enfamil hold the majority market share of infant formula products. Many medical experts suspect that the products directly cause and aggravate NEC. Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Similac baby formula, are under investigation for failing to warn parents about the NEC risks associated with its product. In the U.S., it is the manufacturers' legal duty to warn consumers about the potential dangers and risks associated with their products.
In this case, the manufacturer knowingly failed to provide any form of warning or guidance to parents about the risks of NEC on preterm infants. Similac packaging contains no information on the product's high NEC risks for premature babies. However, Similac products have a very vague recommendation that claims:
"Very low-birth-weight infants are particularly susceptible to gastrointestinal complications; therefore, feeding should be initiated cautiously."
The basis of most lawsuits is that the information is not even close to a fair warning about the risks the product exposes the baby to. The product's packaging lacks a clear explanation that it significantly increases NEC risk in preterm babies.
Similac Lawsuit Filed After Infant Develops NEC
There have been numerous Similac lawsuits, but unfortunately, none has reached trial or settlement agreements. However, as a parent whose child has developed NEC due to consuming Similac products, don't feel discouraged; our law firm can help you seek justice.
Here are some examples of concerned parents who filed a lawsuit:
- Elizabeth Mille is among other parents who filed a complaint in June 2021 against Mead Johnson Nutrition, Mead Johnson and Company LLC, and Abbott Laboratories. She alleges strict liability for failure to warn, design defect, negligence, and other claims on the lawsuit.
- Jahaana Dillard is among those who filed a complaint in May 2021 against Mead Johnson Nutrition, Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, and Abbott Laboratories. She alleges international misrepresentation, strict liability for failure to warn, strict liability for design defect, negligent misrepresentation, and negligence.
- Daniel Renteria-Hernadez and Alicia Restad filed a complaint on May 2021 alleging that Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, were responsible for their newborn infant's death. They claim the product fails to place safety warnings about the link between Similac and NEC.
- In 2017, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Abbott Laboratories that claims the manufacturer misled its consumers about its Similac Advanced Non-GMO baby formulas. The complaint argues that the "non-GMO" label is material to consumers. Independent testing shows the presence of GTS-40-3-2 Soy, which is a soybean plant Monsanto created.
Baby formulas like Similac, Enfamil, and other similar brands have been clinically proven to increase NEC risks. The worst thing about the situation is that baby formula is made explicitly for preterm infants at a higher risk of developing NEC. If you suspect your baby is developing NEC, seek legal help. An attorney can help you hold the company liable for its violations.
Call Dolman Law Group for a Free Consultation
Filing a Similac baby formula lawsuit is often a complex process, especially for a parent taking care of their family while their lawsuit proceeds. At Dolman Law Group, we handle lawsuits for parents whose babies have died or suffered in other ways due to consuming Similac. If you suspect your baby haws suffered this kind of injury, you can explore your legal options for free today during a consultation with us.
We can review your situation and advise you on whether we can help you negotiate with insurers, liaise with doctors, and perform other legal tasks to secure fair compensation. At Dolman Law Group, we typically handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so we'll only get paid if we recover an award for you. Call (727) 451-6900 or fill out our online contact form now for a free consultation.