Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm | Advocating for Families of Premature Infants
The Dangers of NEC Linked to Cow’s Milk-Based Formula
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition that primarily affects premature and low-birth-weight infants. The condition causes inflammation and tissue damage in the intestines, often leading to intestinal perforation and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. In recent years, research has shown that the use of cow’s milk-based formula, such as Similac and Enfamil, significantly increases the risk of NEC in premature infants. Despite these known risks, manufacturers have continued to market and promote these formulas for use with preterm babies, without providing adequate warnings about the dangers involved.
At Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm, we believe that companies must be held accountable when their products put vulnerable infants at risk. Our dedicated legal team is here to support families affected by NEC, fighting to secure compensation and justice for the harm caused by these products.
Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a devastating condition that primarily impacts the intestines, causing them to become inflamed and, in severe cases, leading to perforation, which allows bacteria to enter the abdominal cavity. This condition can have life-altering consequences for premature infants and their families, with some infants facing severe health challenges or losing their lives due to complications from NEC.
Symptoms of NEC
NEC typically presents with the following symptoms, which parents and medical providers should be aware of:
- Distended abdomen and visible swelling
- Feeding intolerance or inability to digest food
- Lethargy and low energy levels
- Greenish vomit or blood in the stool
- Temperature instability and abnormal vital signs
Health Consequences of NEC
For infants who survive NEC, the condition can have serious, lasting health implications, including:
- Short Bowel Syndrome: As a result of NEC-related surgery, some infants may have portions of their intestines removed, leading to Short Bowel Syndrome, a condition that impacts digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Growth and Development Delays: NEC can disrupt normal growth and development, leading to developmental delays and long-term health issues.
- Digestive Disorders and Chronic Health Problems: Infants who experience NEC may be at increased risk for a range of gastrointestinal and digestive issues throughout their lives.
The Link Between Cow’s Milk-Based Formula and NEC
Medical research has consistently shown that premature infants who are fed cow’s milk-based formulas are significantly more likely to develop NEC than those fed human milk or human milk-based formulas. Studies from reputable medical journals highlight that cow’s milk-based formulas can irritate the delicate lining of premature infants’ intestines, increasing their vulnerability to bacterial infection and, subsequently, NEC.
Despite this evidence, major manufacturers of cow’s milk-based formula products, such as Abbott (maker of Similac) and Mead Johnson (maker of Enfamil), have failed to provide adequate warnings to healthcare providers and parents about the potential for NEC when feeding these formulas to preterm infants.
Legal Basis for NEC Mass Tort Claims
Manufacturers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure the safety of their products and to provide clear warnings when significant risks are involved. In the case of NEC caused by cow’s milk-based formula, affected families may have grounds to file mass tort claims based on the following legal theories:
- Failure to Warn: Despite the documented link between cow’s milk-based formulas and NEC, manufacturers did not warn parents or healthcare providers about these risks. The lack of warning deprived families of the information necessary to make informed feeding choices.
- Negligence: Formula companies have been aware of the increased risk of NEC associated with their products but failed to take reasonable steps to protect the vulnerable populations who rely on them.
- Product Liability: Families who suffered due to the use of these formulas argue that the manufacturers are responsible for the harm caused by their products’ unsafe design and failure to disclose significant risks.
Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm is here to help families who have been affected by these injustices. We are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of infants and families who have suffered due to the negligence of formula manufacturers.
The Benefits of Filing a Mass Tort Claim for NEC
Filing a mass tort claim allows families to come together to hold these companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused. By joining a mass tort, affected families can benefit from a collective legal approach, gaining access to shared resources and expert testimony that strengthens individual cases.
How a Mass Tort Claim Can Help You
Families impacted by NEC due to cow’s milk-based formula may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: The costs of NEC treatment can be extensive, including surgeries, extended hospital stays, and specialized therapies for recovery.
- Long-Term Care and Therapy: For infants who survive NEC but face ongoing health challenges, compensation may cover the cost of therapies and long-term medical care.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional and psychological toll on both the child and the family cannot be overlooked. Compensation can help provide financial relief for this suffering.
- Loss of Quality of Life: NEC often impacts a child’s quality of life, sometimes causing developmental delays and lifelong health complications.
Why Families Trust Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm
At Kaufman & McPherson, we know that nothing is more important than the health and well-being of your child. Our experienced attorneys are passionate advocates for families affected by NEC and other harmful conditions caused by corporate negligence. We will work tirelessly to seek justice for your family and to hold the manufacturers responsible for the harm they have caused.
Our approach includes:
- Personalized Service and Compassionate Support: We take the time to listen to your family’s story and handle your case with the utmost care and respect.
- Aggressive Representation: We have the experience and determination to stand up to large corporations, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure your case is heard.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team collaborates with medical experts and professionals to build a strong case demonstrating the link between NEC and cow’s milk-based formula products.
Begin Your NEC Claim Today with Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm
If your child suffered from NEC after being fed cow’s milk-based formula, you are not alone. Families across the country are standing up to hold formula manufacturers accountable, and Kaufman & McPherson Law Firm is here to help you join the fight.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, explore your options, and take the first steps toward justice. You have the right to seek answers and compensation, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.