Infant Formula Short Bowel Syndrome Lawsuit [2024 Update]

What is Short Bowel Syndrome and How is it Linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) is a severe condition often resulting from surgical removal of a significant portion of the intestine, which may be necessary when infants develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

NEC primarily affects premature infants and can cause the death of intestinal tissue, often leading to urgent surgical intervention.

When a significant portion of the intestine is removed to save the infant’s life, the remaining portion may not be able to absorb sufficient nutrients, leading to Short Bowel Syndrome.

This condition results in chronic malabsorption, meaning that children with SBS face challenges in absorbing essential nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes, which can hinder their growth and development.

Children with SBS often require lifelong support, including specialized diets, IV nutrition, and, in severe cases, intestinal transplants.

The connection between NEC and SBS is critical, as cow’s milk-based formulas are linked to a heightened risk of NEC, which subsequently increases the risk of SBS following surgical treatment.

This devastating outcome can lead to a complex, costly medical journey for both the child and their family.

Our legal team is here to help families facing this hardship and to seek justice from the makers of major baby formula brands.

Below are some ways SBS develops and impacts a child’s life:

• Malnutrition and Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to reduced intestinal capacity, children with SBS often struggle to absorb essential nutrients, leading to chronic malnutrition.
• Frequent Hospitalizations: Children with SBS may experience recurrent infections or complications that require regular hospital stays.
• Dependence on Parenteral Nutrition: Many children need long-term intravenous (IV) nutrition to supplement what they can’t absorb through regular feeding.
• Growth and Development Delays: The condition often impacts growth, potentially leading to developmental delays due to poor nutrient absorption.
• Intestinal Transplant Requirement: Severe cases may eventually require an intestinal transplant to improve quality of life.
• High Medical Costs: Ongoing treatment and specialized care for SBS can result in significant medical expenses over a child’s lifetime.

TorHoerman Law understands the challenges families face and is committed to supporting those affected by NEC and SBS.

Information on Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies, often within the first few weeks of life.

This condition occurs when the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and begins to die, potentially leading to a life-threatening rupture of the intestinal wall.

NEC is one of the most common and dangerous conditions treated in neonatal intensive care units, where fragile premature infants are especially susceptible to infection and gastrointestinal complications.

Babies with NEC can develop symptoms like abdominal swelling, bloody stools, and feeding intolerance, which often require immediate medical intervention.

Treatment for NEC can range from antibiotics and supportive care to emergency surgery for removing damaged portions of the intestine.

Families affected by NEC often face extensive emotional and financial challenges, given the prolonged medical treatments and potential long-term health consequences.

For parents navigating this difficult journey, understanding the causes, risks, and treatments associated with NEC is crucial.

Increased Risk of NEC Linked to Cow Milk Based Formula

Research has shown that premature babies who are fed cow’s milk-based formula have a higher risk of developing NEC compared to those who are exclusively breastfed or given donor milk.

Studies show that infants fed cow’s milk formulas, such as Similac and Enfamil, face significantly higher rates of NEC than those receiving human milk.

Moreover, infants fed exclusively on human milk or donor milk exhibited a much lower incidence of NEC, emphasizing the protective factors in human milk that are absent in cow-based formulas.

Studies from sources like The Journal of Pediatrics and a 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics article highlight that exclusive breastfeeding or donor milk feeding could reduce NEC risks by up to 90%.

Cow’s milk-based formulas, by contrast, lack critical immune-boosting components and may exacerbate inflammation, increasing susceptibility to NEC.

Scientific Studies Indicating Increased Risk of NEC from Cow’s Milk-Based Formula:

• Journal of Pediatrics (2009): Found a 90% reduced NEC risk in infants fed exclusively with human milk compared to cow-based formulas.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (2021): Reported a 77% lower NEC incidence in premature infants fed human breast milk only.
• Cochrane Study (2019): Showed premature infants on cow-milk formula were seven times more likely to develop NEC.

An Overview of the NEC Infant Formula Lawsuits

NEC Lawsuits involving infant formulas have emerged as a significant legal challenge for manufacturers, particularly Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, makers of Similac and Enfamil baby formula, respectively.

These lawsuits, filed by families of premature infants affected by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), claim that cow’s milk-based formulas increase the risk of NEC in vulnerable newborns.

Hundreds of NEC Lawsuits are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), where families seek justice for the harm caused to their infants, citing product liability and failure to warn of the increased risks associated with these formulas.

The NEC Infant Formula MDL is consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Countless more NEC Lawsuits are being pursued in state courts across the country.

NEC Baby Formula Plaintiffs argue that manufacturers should have provided clear warnings or alternative feeding options for premature infants vulnerable to NEC.

NEC Formula Lawsuits also emphasize that had healthcare providers been fully informed, different feeding choices could have been made.

Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of cow’s milk-based formulas for premature infants, with plaintiffs seeking accountability from manufacturers for the pain, suffering, and substantial medical expenses related to NEC.

Through these cases, families hope to prompt greater transparency in the industry and establish safer standards for infant formula used in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings.

If your premature infant developed NEC after being fed cow’s milk formula, you may be eligible to file an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact the NEC Baby Formula Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the NEC Lawsuit instantly.

TorHoerman Law Secures $495 Million Verdict Against Abbott Laboratories in NEC Baby Formula Trial

In a landmark victory, TorHoerman Law secured a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories in a trial centered on the risks associated with Similac, a popular infant formula brand.

The case was heard in St. Louis, Missouri, where the jury awarded compensatory damages of $95 million and an additional $400 million in punitive damages, underscoring the significant negligence identified in Abbott’s practices.

The plaintiff’s child, a premature baby who had been treated at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Similac baby formula.

Evidence presented in the case highlighted the risks of cow’s milk-based formulas like Similac infant formula, which research has linked to a heightened risk of NEC in premature babies.

NEC Lawyers from TorHoerman Law successfully argued that Abbott Laboratories failed to adequately warn parents and healthcare providers about these known risks, despite scientific studies and internal findings.

The verdict reflects a growing awareness of product safety in neonatal care and signals the accountability that major corporations face when profit overshadows patient safety.

As a result of this verdict, our team of NEC attorneys has set a significant precedent, reinforcing the rights of families affected by NEC.

This achievement marks a critical milestone in the fight for justice for families nationwide impacted by similar tragedies.

For families and parents who have faced similar situations, TorHoerman Law’s victory provides a foundation for pursuing compensation and accountability.

Settlement Projections for Infant Formula NEC Lawsuits

Lawsuits against baby formula makers have seen significant developments over the past year.

As mentioned, the premature infant formula trial victory secured by TorHoerman Law has set a strong precedent for future NEC Infant Formula Lawsuit claims.

With that being said, NEC Lawyers estimate that settlement amounts related to the increased risk of NEC linked to Similac and Enfamil formula may range between $50,000 and over $500,000.

These estimated settlement amounts are by no means a guarantee of financial compensation for NEC Lawsuits.

They are simply projections based on results in previous product liability lawsuits and the outlook of the NEC Litigation as a whole.

For more detailed information and insight on your potential NEC Lawsuit, contact the Baby Formula Lawyers at TorHoerman Law.

Do You Qualify for the Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit?

NEC and Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) bring immense challenges to infants and their families, impacting every aspect of life—from the baby’s physical health to the family’s emotional and financial well-being.

Parents expect that formula products marketed for vulnerable infants are safe, and companies have a duty to clearly warn of any potential risks, including the severe complications of NEC and SBS.

Our lawyers are dedicated to holding baby formula manufacturers accountable, fighting on behalf of families affected by these devastating conditions to seek justice and compensation for the suffering endured.

If your child developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and suffered short bowel syndrome after being fed Similac baby formula or Enfamil baby formula, you may be eligible to file an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit.

Contact the experienced NEC Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you’re eligible to file a NEC Lawsuit instantly.

Our NEC Lawyers intimately understand these cases and recognize the devastating impact NEC can have on your child and family.

We will help you through the entire legal process, including gathering sufficient evidence and calculating related costs.

Gathering Evidence for NEC Lawsuits Against Baby Formula Manufacturers

Building a strong NEC Lawsuit against baby formula manufacturers requires collecting specific and credible evidence to show the link between the formula and the risk of the infant’s diagnosis.

This evidence is essential for establishing product liability, proving the use of the formula in the NICU, and detailing the medical impact on the child.

Our experienced NEC Lawyers work closely with families to gather, organize, and retain these critical pieces of evidence, which help to strengthen claims and support potential compensation.

Key types of evidence in NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits include:

• Medical and Feeding Records: Documentation of formula type, dosage, and feeding schedule provided to the infant.
• Hospitalization Records: Detailed records of any NICU or hospital stay, including diagnoses, treatments, and medical interventions related to NEC.
• Billing and Financial Records: Documentation of medical costs, ongoing care, and financial strain related to the infant’s condition.
• Expert Medical Testimonies: Statements from neonatologists or pediatric experts to establish causation and the risks of cow’s milk-based formula for preterm infants.
• Manufacturer Records or Labeling Information: Any information or warnings provided (or not provided) by the manufacturer about the formula’s risks, particularly in preterm infants.
• Parental Testimonies: Firsthand accounts from parents detailing the infant’s health, feeding routines, and the impact of NEC on family life.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos or scans showing the infant’s physical symptoms, surgery scars, or ongoing medical devices used due to NEC.
• Scientific Studies: Relevant research or studies showing the increased risk of NEC in premature infants fed cow’s milk-based formulas.

Our team ensures that every piece of evidence is used to its fullest potential, giving your case the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Potential Damages in Similac and Enfamil Premature Infant Formula Lawsuits

In a legal context, “damages” refer to the financial compensation sought by plaintiffs to cover both the economic and emotional costs related to an injury or loss.

For families affected by NEC due to Similac or Enfamil formulas, damages aim to address the substantial financial burdens and long-term impacts of the illness on both the child and the family.

In NEC Lawsuits, potential damages cover the direct expenses of medical treatment as well as the long-term physical, emotional, and financial strain placed on families by this devastating condition.

Our legal team works with families to assess all possible damages and advocate for maximum compensation.

Potential damages in Similac and Enfamil Baby Formula Lawsuits include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs of initial and ongoing medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and specialized care related to NEC.
• Future Medical Costs: Anticipated future healthcare expenses, such as long-term care, therapies, or ongoing treatments necessary for the child’s health.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and physical distress experienced by the child and family due to NEC and its complications.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages addressing the diminished quality of life the child may experience due to ongoing health issues and restrictions.
• Permanent Disability: Compensation related to any long-term disabilities or impairments resulting from NEC, impacting the child’s daily functioning and opportunities.
• Lost Income for Parents: Reimbursement for any income lost due to time taken off work to care for the affected child or attend medical appointments.
• Emotional Distress: Damages to address the mental and emotional toll placed on parents and family members who endure the stress of a child’s serious illness.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation intended to punish manufacturers if evidence shows a knowing disregard for product safety, especially for vulnerable infants.

Each case is unique, and our team is here to ensure that families receive the full scope of compensation they deserve based on their specific circumstances and needs.

TorHoerman Law: Experienced and Dedicated NEC Baby Formula Lawyers

At TorHoerman Law, our team of NEC Baby Formula Lawyers is dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of families affected by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) linked to cow’s milk-based infant formulas.

Our experience in product liability cases, especially those involving serious health risks, allows us to bring a unique blend of empathy, commitment, and legal acumen to every case.

We understand the profound emotional and financial challenges that families endure when a child suffers from NEC and its long-term complications.

By taking on major corporations, we aim to hold them accountable for failing to properly warn consumers of the risks associated with their products.

With a track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, our team is well-equipped to help families through these complex cases and pursue the compensation they need.

If your child has been diagnosed with NEC after being fed Similac or Enfamil in the hospital, reach out to us today.

Our experienced NEC Lawyers are here to guide you through your legal options and answer any questions you may have.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation and let us help you pursue justice and accountability.