Children who are born prematurely oftentimes need extra care and nutrition to support their proper growth and development. This offsets their initial low birth weight. There are plenty of instances where a medical professional will suggest parents to give their children formula during the early stages of their baby’s life. However, there has been some recent evidence and news that some formula brands are the reason for infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC is a deadly digestive condition that has been the reason for so many lawsuits.
Failure to Inform Parents of Side Effects
To make this situation even worse, some baby formula manufacturers like Mead Johnson and Company have failed to inform parents of this life-threatening side effect by neglecting to mention it on a warning label.
Parents are already stressed enough as it is that they have a premature child they don’t need to deal with any unsafe baby formula. These baby formula manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe prior to selling. With this act of negligence, many families have endured losing a child to what appeared to be a safe product.
Symptoms of NEC
Infants who ingest either Similac or Enfamil baby formula contaminated with NEC will experience inflammation of the intestinal lining. This type of condition ultimately leads to serious infections. The intestinal wall is eventually eroded away, which then allows for bacteria to enter the intestine tract, thus putting the infant’s health at risk. Your infant’s medical professional should monitor for any of the following symptoms:
- Swollen, red or tender stomach
- Abdominal pressure
- Diarrhea
- Fluctuations in temperature
- Abnormal breathing
- Low blood pressure
Overall, most infants do survive the disease but at the cost of serious and long term injuries. In much more severe cases, infants can lose their life.
This probably has many parents wondering if all baby formula products carry a digestive disease risk, when that isn’t actually the case. There are some cow milk-based products made by Enfamil and Similac that pose as a risk to the child’s health. The products listed below are considered to be unsafe for infants and parents should consider disposing of them and seeking alternative options.
The baby formula in question includes the following:
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similar Special Care 30
- Similar Special Care 24 – High Protein
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier
- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Enfamil 24 Cal
Who is Affected by NEC?
Any child born under 3.25 pounds and who is fed formula in the early stages of their life is primarily affected by NEC. Data shows that this condition only occurs in every 2,000-3,000 births but it is very dangerous to infants because their immune systems have yet to develop.
Should your child be fed cow milk-based baby formula in the hospital, or if the hospital gave you an unsafe product to take home that resulted in your infant being diagnosed with a digestive issue you may be eligible for a lawsuit. Our lawyers are trained to consider every angle surrounding your case and will always determine whether or not you qualify to pursue legal actions.
Call Kwartler Manus Today
The attorneys at Kwartler Manus are here to help. If your child has developed health concerns due to baby formula our lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources to pursue and hold the negligent company accountable for its actions. You can contact us today for a free consultation.
We know compensation can’t reverse the damages you and your child have already experienced, but we strive to help offset any financial burdens from the situation. A lawsuit against the baby formula organization holds the negligent manufacturers accountable for their injustice and furthermore sets an example for others to follow. Call our office at 267-457-5570 to schedule a consultation.