Unfortunately, many babies are born prematurely. They are often given baby formula in an effort to address their nutritional requirements. Many parents rely on baby formula to safely provide for their newborn’s vital nutritional needs. But despite its widespread use among parents and medical professionals, manufacturers of popular formula brands Similac and Enfamil have failed to let baby formula users know the dangerous side effects that come with using their products.

Recent studies have found that newborn babies who are fed formula exclusively as well as those who are fed formula supplementally are more likely to be diagnosed with NEC Necrotizing Enterocolitis (more commonly known as NEC) — a serious disease that affects the intestines of premature infants. One in every 3000 newborns is a victim of NEC. And the mortality rate for preemies diagnosed with NEC is more than one out of every four babies — a staggering statistic given the advancement of medical care in the United States.

What’s more troubling still is that manufacturing companies like Abbott and Mead Johnson, makers of popular Enfamil and Similac baby formulas, failed to include a warning that their products resulted in a higher risk of NEC in premature babies.

Waters & Kraus helps victims of NEC seek justice and compensation from baby formula companies who knew the risks but failed to protect consumers. Our team of experienced trial lawyers work with medical and women’s health experts across the country to help you receive justice for NEC caused by Similac and Enfamil baby formula products.

About NEC Necrotizing Enterocolitis Condition
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that affects premature babies. This condition causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to bacterial infection of the intestinal wall and even death of the intestinal tissue. The intestinal inflammation NEC is known to cause can become seriously dangerous in newborn babies, creating a gap in the intestinal wall which allows bacteria to leak into the abdomen, often leading to serious illness, and in some cases, death.

Symptoms of NEC in newborns can include:

• Abdominal pain/swelling
• Diarrhea with bloody stool
• Green/yellow vomit
• Changes in heart rate/blood pressure
• Changes in body temperature/breathing
• Refusing to eat
• Lack of weight gain
• Lethargy

Necrotizing Enterocolitis is most commonly diagnosed within the first two weeks of life in babies who are fed formula instead of breast milk. Baby formula made from bovine-based fortifiers like cow’s milk has been proven dangerous and even deadly for premature infants because of their direct link to causing NEC. Since Enfamil and Similac both contain bovine milk, this can increase the risk of NEC and death in infants, especially premature babies, who were fed these formulas.

An NEC diagnosis can lead to additional serious health problems requiring surgery, including:

• Peritonitis
• Sepsis
• Intestinal stricture
• Short bowel syndrome

How Waters & Kraus Helps Victims of NEC

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a long-time advocate of women’s health — especially when it comes to holding companies accountable for putting women and their newborn children in danger with dangerous products. Our NEC and personal injury attorneys offer an enhanced level of victim support, and we’re ready to help you receive justice for NEC experienced from the use of baby formula products.