Recent scientific research has linked some cow’s milk-based baby formulas, including Similac and Enfamil, to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)—a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting premature infants. Many families were never warned about this risk, leaving them unprepared for the devastating consequences.
If your child developed NEC after consuming baby formula, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Our Pennsylvania product liability lawyers at Atlee Hall can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact our firm today or call IFBYPHONE to explore your legal options.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
NEC is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the intestines of premature infants. The disease causes inflammation, infection, and eventually the destruction of intestinal tissue, leading to life-threatening complications such as:
• Intestinal perforation (a hole in the intestine)
• Severe infections and sepsis
• Long-term digestive issues requiring ongoing care
• The need for surgical intervention, including bowel removal
• Increased risk of death in fragile newborns
Warning Signs of NEC
Symptoms of NEC can develop quickly and include:
• Swollen or tender abdomen
• Lethargy or difficulty feeding
• Vomiting or bloody stools
• Breathing problems or low heart rate
Premature infants are already vulnerable, and NEC significantly increases the risk of long-term health complications or fatal outcomes. Medical research has shown that babies who consume cow’s milk-based baby formulas are at a higher risk of developing NEC compared to those who are exclusively breastfed.
The Link Between Baby Formula and NEC
Despite support from medical evidence, formula manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn parents and doctors about the risk of NEC. Many parents only discovered the connection after their child suffered devastating complications.
If your child was fed Similac or Enfamil while in the NICU or after discharge and later developed NEC, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against the formula manufacturer.
What Types of Baby Formula Have Cow’s Milk?
Some baby formulas that may contain protein from cow’s milk include:
• Avacare®
• Baby’s Only®
• Bobbie®
• Earth’s Best®
• Enfamil™
• Gerber®
• Happy Baby®
• Holle®
• Lebenswert™
• Loulouka™
• Kendamil®
• Parent’s Choice®
• PediaSure®
• Similac®
Who Can File an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Families whose premature infants developed NEC after being fed cow’s milk-based formula may qualify to file a lawsuit against the formula manufacturer. To determine if you have a case, consider the following:
• Your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks).
• They were fed Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula in the hospital or at home.
• They were later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
• They required hospitalization, surgery, or long-term medical care as a result of NEC.
Even if your child recovered from NEC, you may still be eligible for financial compensation to cover past and future medical expenses. If your child did not survive, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible company accountable.
How Long Do You Have to File an NEC Baby Formula Claim?
There are time limits to file a claim. Pennsylvania law places a statute of limitations on product liability cases, meaning you have a limited window to take legal action. Contact our firm as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What Compensation Is Available in a Pennsylvania NEC Lawsuit?
If your baby developed NEC after consuming Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula, you may pursue and recover financial compensation. For example, a jury in 2024 ordered Similac manufacturer Abbott Laboratories to pay $495 million in damages to the family of a baby facing permanent health complications due to NEC.
Recoverable damages in an NEC lawsuit may include:
• Medical Expenses – Hospital stays, NICU care, surgeries, medication, and long-term treatment.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional toll NEC has taken on your child and family.
• Lost Wages – If you had to take time off work or leave your job to care for your child.
• Future Medical Costs – Long-term complications from NEC may require ongoing treatment.
• Wrongful Death Damages – If NEC resulted in fatal complications, families may seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
How a Pennsylvania NEC Lawyer Can Help
Filing a lawsuit against a large baby formula manufacturer can be intimidating, but our firm has the experience and resources to fight for justice. When you work with our product liability attorneys, we will:
• Investigate Your Claim – Gathering medical records, formula history, and expert testimony.
• Handle All Legal Aspects – Filing the lawsuit, negotiating with manufacturers, and advocating in court if needed.
• Fight for Maximum Compensation – We pursue every possible avenue for financial recovery to help your family move forward.
We understand the devastation NEC can cause, and our team is here to fight for your rights while you focus on your child’s health.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Product Liability Lawyers
If your baby developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming baby formula with cow’s milk, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Our Pennsylvania product liability lawyers are ready to review your case and help you understand your rights.
• No upfront costs – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
• Free consultations – Get a case evaluation with no obligation.
Call us today at (717) 393-9596 or fill out our online form to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania NEC lawyer about your case. Your child deserves justice, and we are here to help.
