Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Lawsuit

Did your pre-term infant develop NEC after being fed toxic baby formula?

As a parent of a pre-mature infant, you know all of the challenges that you and your child face in those first few weeks of life. One thing you should not have to worry about is whether your premature baby is being fed something that is toxic and might make your baby extremely sick. Sadly, some parents are learning that their babies were fed certain cow’s milk-based baby formula that causes a very dangerous, and sometimes deadly infection called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

Studies have shown that cow's milk-based formulas, such as Enfamil and Similac, may increase the risk of NEC in vulnerable preterm babies. NEC can cause serious damage to your baby’s intestines, leading to severe infections and complications, and, some tragic cases, death.

If your baby developed NEC after being fed one of these formulas, our experienced litigators can help seek justice for you and your family. You don’t have to face this alone—let us help guide you through this process and support your family.

Reach out to us today to see if you qualify for the lawsuit and take the first step toward justice for your child.

If you'd like to learn more or have questions, please call us at
(778) 401-7816
“Our role goes beyond managing files—it’s about helping navigate the process to ensure every person is heard, acknowledged, and properly represented. While assisting a mother in gathering the necessary information for her case, she shared with me that she was not only battling with the physical and emotional toll of her child's loss, but also the devastating realization that it was entirely preventable. Her words will forever stay with me, serving as a constant reminder of the immense pain these families endure—and that the least we can do is carry their stories forward and fight for the justice they deserve.”
Lerisa Shehu | Case Management Analyst
“Our client relationships are more than 'business only.' As Case Managers, we are a listening ear, an advocate and an ally. Being a NICU mother myself, I know how difficult it can be to relive these moments and I commend our clients for their bravery and vulnerability. We strive to earn every client's trust and to treat each case with the utmost respect and compassion.”
Hannah Bridges | Case Management Senior Analyst

No warnings:
Join the baby formula lawsuit

Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories, the makers behind popular baby formula brands, marketed Similac and Enfamil as safe and beneficial alternatives to human breast milk. Now they are being sued for failing to warn parents about potentially lethal risks. One study of preterm infants found that NEC was 6-10x more common in exclusively cow’s milk formula-fed babies than breast milk-fed babies. If your preemie was diagnosed with NEC and experienced gastrointestinal bacterial infections, perforations, or peritonitis, our legal team can seek justice for you and  your family.

Am I Eligible?

Research links use of toxic baby formula to NEC

Major manufacturers of baby formula are facing lawsuits regarding their responsibility for injuries and death after premature infants were fed their popular cow’s milk-based formula products, Similac and Enfamil. Despite being marketed to parents as a safe alternative to breast milk, these baby formulas have been linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants

NEC is a serious gastrointestinal condition primarily affecting premature and low birth-weight infants. The condition results in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to tissue death. While symptoms of NEC can vary widely or appear suddenly, a diseased tract can form holes in the intestinal wall and leak bacteria into the belly and bloodstream, resulting in serious, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or even death.

Our litigators are seeking to hold baby formula manufacturers, Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, accountable for NEC cases caused by toxic baby formula. These lawsuits focus on the link between these formulas and NEC, as well as corporations’ failures to:

Has your preemie been diagnosed with NEC?

Parents of premature and low birth weight infants already face a heavy emotional toll when considering the health and future of their baby. They shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of feeding alternatives in the process. Our law firm partners are ready to take action against manufacturers that have breached the trust of parents and healthcare providers nationwide.
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If your baby was injured or died after ingesting toxic baby formula, we may be able to help you get the justice you deserve. Fill out the form to see if you’re eligible to join the lawsuit.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC, is an aggressive form of gastrointestinal disease that primarily impacts premature and low birth weight babies.

The condition causes inflammation, leading to tissue death and holes in the intestinal tract. Once these perforations occur, dangerous bacteria can leak into a baby’s abdomen and bloodstream, putting the infant at serious risk of developing sepsis shock or death.

NEC symptoms are wide-ranging and can appear suddenly, including:

Poor tolerance to feeding
Bloating or swelling of the belly
Abdominal pain and discoloration
Diarrhea and bloody stools
Vomiting greenish-yellow liquid
Low heart rate and breathing
 irregularities

Most babies who develop NEC require antibiotic treatments or surgical interventions to remove dead tissue and repair intestinal holes. While most babies survive NEC, others may face long-term health issues.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?

Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC, is an aggressive form of gastrointestinal disease that primarily impacts premature and low birth weight babies.

The condition causes inflammation, leading to tissue death and holes in the intestinal tract. Once these perforations occur, dangerous bacteria can leak into a baby’s abdomen and bloodstream, putting the infant at serious risk of developing sepsis shock or death.

NEC symptoms are wide-ranging and can appear suddenly, including:

Poor tolerance to feeding
Bloating or swelling of the belly
Abdominal pain and discoloration
Diarrhea and bloody stools
Vomiting greenish-yellow liquid
Low heart rate and breathing
 irregularities

Most babies who develop NEC require antibiotic treatments or surgical interventions to remove dead tissue and repair intestinal holes. While most babies survive NEC, others may face long-term health issues.

NEC infections: Why Similac and Enfamil may be to blame

Premature infants often require feeding alternatives to breast milk. Sometimes, the mother isn’t able to produce breast milk on her own, and in other instances, supplementing breast milk with formulas is needed to help a baby gain weight and develop.

Cow’s milk based formulas have been linked to increased risks of NEC in preterm babies. Recent research found that infants who were given Similac or Enfamil, for example, experienced a significantly higher risk of developing NEC than those fed with breast milk.

In fact, one study found that preterm babies who ingested popular baby formula brands were up to 10x more likely to develop NEC injuries.

Researchers claim that baby formula alternatives may contain “levels of unbound free fatty acids (FFs)” that are toxic to intestinal cells.

Premature babies are more susceptible to systemic infections due to NEC because they are underdeveloped and have weaker immune systems.

Learn more about the toxic baby formula lawsuit

Alarming studies linking toxic baby formula to systemic infections resulting in NEC have prompted numerous lawsuits.

As of March 2025, about 650 court cases have been filed against baby formula manufacturers Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, the corporations behind popular brands Similac and Enfamil.

The Similac lawsuits allege that the cow’s milk-based ingredients lead to heightened risks of NEC in premature infants and that Abbott Laboratories failed to warn parents and healthcare providers about these risks.
The Enfamil lawsuits allege similar circumstances and accuse Mead Johnson of being aware of medical evidence demonstrating increased NEC risks.

These companies marketed their products as safe and beneficial for premature infants in spite of the potential risks. Now, Mead Johnson and Abbott Labs are being sued for numerous causes of action.

Federal courts have since consolidated these cases into a mass tort lawsuit, called a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to streamline the litigation process.

| Litigation Updates

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Lawsuit:
Lawsuit Updates

March 2025
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The Federal MDL now contains about 650 cases.

February 2025
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Defendants moved for Summary Judgement, which is an effort to get the case to end. Under this procedure, the Defendants are arguing that even if all of the facts of the case as alleged are true, the Plaintiffs still have not proved their case against the Defendants.

January 2025
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The Defendants  have moved to disqualify the Plaintiffs’ experts in the case.

January 2025
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The Federal Judge in the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has set the first trail dates in the NEC case as follows:

  • May 5, 2025:  Mar v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 1:22-cv-00232

  • August 11, 2025:  K.B. v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 1:22-cv-05356

  • November 3, 2025: Brown v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 1:22-cv-02001

  • February 2, 2026: Inman v. Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-0373

July 2024‍
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A jury in St. Louis, Missouri ruled that Abbott Labs owes a family $495 million for causing NEC-related injuries to a premature baby girl.

March 2024
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An Illinois State Court jury ruled that Mead Johnson, a subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser, must compensate the mother of a premature infant who died from an intestinal disease after being given the company's baby formula, Enfamil, with a verdict of $60 million.

February 2024
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Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer scheduled hearings that involve several plaintiffs on sealed/private motions for March 2024.

April 2023
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Lawyers continue to negotiate how discovery is to be conducted.

March 2023
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The judge scheduled science day proceedings for May 3, 2023. Science day allows the parties to present an overview of general medical and scientific issues to the court.

December 2022
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Defendants selected four cases for bellwether test trials: Clarke, Cresap, Inman and Mar.

April 2022
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Federal Panel on Multidistrict Litigation approves creation of MDL for the NEC/Baby Formula cases. Sends the cases to Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in front of Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer.

Helpful Resources

Read more about the increased health risks associated with toxic baby formula.

Abbott Faces Trial Over Claims That Preterm Infant Formula Caused Dangerous Disease

Read Full Article →

Inside the Looming Crisis in the Infant Formula Market

Read Full Article →

Nutrition companies, parents clash in court over cause of infant intestinal disease

Read Full Article →

Current Knowledge of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants and the Impact of Different Types of Enteral Nutrition Products

Read Full Article →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis, also known as NEC, is a serious neonatal disease affecting the gastrointestinal system. The potentially lethal medical condition primarily impacts preterm infants with low birth-weight. NEC bacterial infections attack a baby’s gastrointestinal tract and can lead to inflammation, tissue death, and holes forming in the intestinal walls. These holes leak intestinal content into the infant’s belly or bloodstream, and rapidly progress into sepsis. Systemic infections resulting from NEC are cited as one of the leading causes of death in newborns.
What is a mass tort? What is a mass tort lawsuit?
A Mass Tort is a legal action where a large number of plaintiffs bring lawsuits against one or several defendants for harm caused by common actions or products. Unlike a class action, where plaintiffs are treated as a single entity, in a mass tort, each plaintiff's case is handled individually, but they are grouped together for the purpose of certain legal proceedings like discovery and trial phases, which makes the administration much for efficient.

Mass torts typically arise in cases involving:
• Defective products (e.g., medical devices, pharmaceuticals)
• Toxic exposure (e.g., environmental contamination, chemicals like PFAS)
• Catastrophic events (e.g., wildfires, plane crashes, industrial accidents)

These cases allow for more personalized representation compared to class actions since the injuries and damages experienced by each plaintiff can vary widely. However, they share common legal issues and evidence, which justifies handling in a mass tort framework.
How do I know if I am eligible for compensation?
If your preterm baby was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis after being fed Similac or Enfamil, then your family may be eligible to join this litigation. The first step in the process is to determine if you qualify to be represented by us for your damages. Click here to get started.
How long will it take to resolve my toxic baby formula lawsuit?
It is too early in this litigation to know how long it will take any one case to be resolved. Civil litigation involving corporate negligence that causes injuries or death can take years to wind its way through the system. We will work as hard as we can to get justice for you from those who caused your infant’s health issues.
What is the link between NEC and popular baby formula brands?
The makers behind popular baby formula brands, Similac and Enfamil, marketed their baby formula products as safe and beneficial alternatives to human breast milk. Recent research has shown that cow’s milk-based baby formulas pose serious risks to premature babies, resulting in Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Corporations Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson are being sued for failing to warn parents and health providers about the risks of babies developing NEC after ingesting their baby formulas.
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