Infant Death Lawsuit from Baby Formula in Massachusetts

A lawsuit against baby formula producers of Enfamil and Similac alleges that the baby formula from these companies contributed to newborn babies developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a condition that mostly affects premature babies and causes holes in their intestinal tissue and/or for the intestinal tissue to die. It’s a very serious gastrointestinal issue and may lead to life-threatening symptoms.

Babies who were born before the 37th week of pregnancy or weighed less than 5.5 pounds at birth are the most susceptible to necrotizing enterocolitis. The condition affects 1 in 1,000 premature babies and around 1 in 10,000 full-term babies.

Some symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis include swelling or pain in the baby’s abdomen, blood in diarrhea, yellow or green vomit, and changes in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature.

To diagnose necrotizing enterocolitis, your healthcare provider will do a complete exam and may order some blood tests or x-rays.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and Baby Formula

Research in recent years has shown that premature babies who are fed cows-milk formula are at increased risk of suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis. The manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil formulas should have provided some warning to parents and doctors about these risks which is why there are several class-action lawsuits against them now.

Who is Eligible for the Infant Death Lawsuit from Baby Formula in Massachusetts?

Families with children born prematurely who used baby formula and were later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis may be eligible to participate in the class-action lawsuits. The specific formulas addressed are Similac and Enfamil formulas.

If the infant died of necrotizing enterocolitis, the family can launch a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturers of these baby formulas. In 2011, one Massachusetts family was awarded over $7 million in a verdict for a premature baby who died after being fed baby formula and developing necrotizing enterocolitis.

Contact an Attorney

If a child in your family died or was harmed by NEC after consuming baby formula products by manufacturers of Enfamil and Similac, a lawyer may be able to help.

Having a lawyer on your side who cares about you and your family can make a big difference. Even better when those lawyers have extensive experience in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Sbrogna, Brunelle & Donius, LLP fit the bill.

Contact Us today for a free consultation about your case: 508-809-7555.