In the days after a premature newborn was fed Similac, the parents are filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The parents alleged that the baby formula caused necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC is a very serious intestinal disease that can result in the death of premature infant death. Both parents stated that Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company were responsible for the loss of their baby.
What Happened to the Baby?
The baby was born prematurely with a birth weight of only two pounds and two ounces. He was put in intensive care immediately. After only 16 days the baby passed away due to NEC and the parents blame Similac for being fed to him as the main reason. This condition involves inflammation and necrosis of the intestine tissues. It is diagnosed primarily in premature babies and as noted above, can be life-threatening. The symptoms to watch out for include, bloated abdominal area, green vomit, and blood in the stool.
For this type of instance, Philadelphia NEC attorneys from Kwartler Manus can and will fight for the justice that is deserved for the parents. Our firm is currently accepting baby formula-induced injury, damage, and death cases. You should contact us immediately if your baby was born premature and developed NEC after being fed baby formula.
The Risk of NEC
Baby formula manufacturers have known that feeding preemies cow milk-based formula can drastically increase the risk of NEC. It is quite unfortunate that these organizations still fail to warn parents about NEC on the labels of Similac, Enfamil, and other formulas.
Over the years, our attorneys have seen a rise in the number of lawsuits that have been filed by parents who accuse baby formula companies of downplaying the deadly risks associated with giving cow milk-based formula to an infant. That’s not all either. The labels also fail to provide information on how to reduce the risk of NEC whenever they feed formula to a premature baby. The way to do so? Use pasteurized donor breast milk instead of cow milk baby formula.
Labels on Similac have no warnings about NEC and only offer a vague warning that very low-weight infants are susceptible to gastrointestinal complications. Enfamil does not include any such warning in reference to NEC or other complications that can occur.
Our Philadelphia NEC attorneys can say that there aren’t typically any lawsuits filed against NICU doctors and nurses, more so it relates to the baby formula manufacturing companies. This is because parents are not being warned about the dangers of feeding their products to their preemies.
Similac lawsuits are overall filed against Abbott Laboratories. This company produces and advertises all Similac baby formula. The company is responsible for selling the following but not limited to types of infant formula: Similac, Similac Special Care, Similac Human Milk Fortifier, Similac NeoSure, Similac Alimentum, Similac Human Milk Fortifier, Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier, and many others.
Preemies are so susceptible to NEC because their intestines are not fully developed enough to properly digest cow milk proteins and other ingredients found in baby formula. What then tends to happen is inflammation in the intestines which if not treated appropriately can lead to decay of intestinal tissue or hole in the intestines.
Contact Kwarlter Manus Today
Kwartler Manus emphasizes the importance of contacting us as soon as you suspect there are any signs of NEC in your baby. We offer a free consultation. All you have to do is call us to schedule an appointment or fill out the form on our website. There is no case we can’t handle. You can rest assured knowing that we stand by you, support and fight for what you rightfully deserve. Call us today at 267-457-5570 to schedule a consultation.