For many Louisiana parents of premature infants, cow’s milk-based baby formula was presented as a safe nutritional option. Tragically, these products have been linked to a life-threatening intestinal disease called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) failed to warn parents and healthcare providers about this serious risk, despite scientific evidence dating back decades.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we’re standing up for Louisiana families whose premature babies developed NEC after consuming these formulas. Our baby formula attorneys are helping parents seek justice and compensation for the suffering their children endured. If your premature infant was diagnosed with NEC after receiving Similac or Enfamil products, you may be eligible to file a claim.
See if you qualify for a baby formula lawsuit by taking our quick online case evaluation today.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Why Is It Dangerous?
NEC is a devastating intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. The condition causes inflammation in the intestinal tissue, which can lead to severe damage as bacteria invade the intestinal wall. In the most serious cases, the intestinal tissue dies, creating perforations that allow bacteria to leak into the abdomen and bloodstream.
The consequences of NEC can be catastrophic. According to research published in the Journal of Perinatology, NEC has a mortality rate of approximately 15-40% among premature infants. Those who survive often face lifelong complications, including short bowel syndrome, nutritional challenges, growth delays, and neurodevelopmental issues.
Scientific studies dating back to the 1990s have consistently shown that cow’s milk-based formulas like Similac and Enfamil significantly increase the risk of NEC in premature infants compared to human breast milk. A 2021 study in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that exclusively formula-fed premature infants were over 700% more likely to develop NEC than those fed breast milk alone.
Despite this evidence, formula manufacturers continued marketing their products for premature infants without adequate warnings. The FDA has issued safety communications about the increased risk of NEC in premature infants fed formula, yet these companies failed to add clear warnings to their packaging or educational materials for parents and healthcare providers.
Legal Basis for Filing a Claim
Baby formula lawsuits against manufacturers like Abbott and Mead Johnson are based on several strong legal arguments. Parents whose children suffered from NEC have valid claims under product liability law that can help them seek justice for their child’s suffering.
Manufacturers knew or should have known about NEC risks but didn’t warn parents or doctors.
These formulas are inherently dangerous for premature infants despite being marketed for them.
Companies aggressively marketed products to parents of premature babies despite known risks.
Manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by their unreasonably dangerous products.
Who Qualifies to File a Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Parents or guardians may qualify to file a baby formula lawsuit if their child:
- Was born prematurely (at least three weeks before their due date)
- Was fed Similac or Enfamil formula or fortifier while in the hospital or shortly after
- Developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) within 8 weeks of consuming the formula
- Was diagnosed with NEC after 2005
- Suffered complications such as intestinal perforation, sepsis, or long-term health issues
The severity of your child’s condition plays a significant role in determining potential compensation. Cases involving infant death, surgical interventions, or permanent disabilities typically qualify for higher settlements.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana baby formula lawsuit attorneys understand the timeline constraints for these cases. If you believe your child was harmed, it is crucial to find out if you have a case as soon as possible.
Parents should gather medical records documenting their child’s premature birth, formula feeding, NEC diagnosis, and subsequent treatments. These records strengthen your case and help our attorneys establish the connection between the formula and your child’s condition.
The Medical Evidence Linking Formula to NEC
The scientific community has recognized the dangers of cow’s milk-based formula for premature infants for decades. Numerous peer-reviewed studies provide compelling evidence that these products significantly increase the risk of NEC, yet manufacturers continued marketing them without adequate warnings.
Multiple studies show premature infants fed formula face 6-10 times higher NEC risk.
Pediatric organizations recommend breast milk over formula for premature infants.
Many NICUs now avoid cow’s milk formulas due to NEC concerns.
Formula companies failed to disclose these risks despite decades of evidence.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers for Your Baby Formula Lawsuit
For over 25 years, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has fought for Louisiana families affected by dangerous products. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges families face when a premature infant suffers from NEC after consuming formula.
Our baby formula attorneys have:
- Deep knowledge of the scientific evidence linking cow’s milk formula to NEC
- Experience handling complex product liability cases against major corporations
- Resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and build a compelling case
- Compassion for families dealing with infant injury or loss
- A proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients
We believe Louisiana families deserve accountability from formula manufacturers who put profits over infant safety. When you work with our firm, you’ll receive personalized attention and aggressive representation from attorneys who truly care about your family’s well-being.
The Baby Formula Lawsuit Process
Filing a baby formula lawsuit may seem overwhelming, especially when caring for a child with health complications. At Dudley DeBosier, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your family while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’ll evaluate your case at no cost to determine if you qualify.
We handle all paperwork and legal procedures to initiate your case.
We handle all paperwork and legal procedures to initiate your case.
We fight for maximum compensation through settlement or court verdict.
Get Your Instant Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to learn if your family qualifies for compensation. The statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file a baby formula lawsuit. Our instant online case evaluation tool will quickly determine if you meet the criteria to pursue justice for your child. Take the first step toward holding negligent manufacturers accountable and securing the financial support your family deserves.