Similac Lawsuit [October 2026 Update] | Similac Formula Lawsuit

The NEC baby formula litigation targets leading manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil formulas that have been linked to a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature and low-birth-weight infants.

Medical research shows that premature infants fed cow’s-milk-based formulas, such as those produced by Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil), face a significantly greater likelihood of developing NEC compared to premature infants fed breast milk.

This condition can cause intestinal tissue death, perforation, infection, and long-term developmental or digestive complications.

The lawsuits primarily involve hospital-administered formulas given in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), not retail products sold for general infant use.

These cases claim that Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson knew or should have known of the elevated risks associated with consuming Similac formula and similar products but failed to provide adequate warnings to doctors and parents.

Allegations in the Similac and Enfamil NEC lawsuits:

• Failure to warn: The companies did not disclose the increased NEC risk associated with cow’s-milk-based preterm infant formulas.
• Negligent marketing: Similac and Enfamil were promoted as safe and nutritionally complete for premature infants despite evidence to the contrary.
• Misrepresentation of safety: Marketing materials implied these formulas were clinically supported and comparable to human milk in safety.
• Disregard for medical data: Both companies ignored growing research showing that NEC rates were significantly higher among formula-fed preterm infants.
• Profit over safety: Manufacturers prioritized maintaining market share in hospitals over issuing proper warnings or revising product labeling.

Similac and Enfamil NEC claims have proceeded in federal multidistrict litigation and in state courts.

TorHoerman Law’s involvement in the litigation includes a $495 million jury verdict obtained against Abbott Laboratories in a 2024 Similac NEC trial.

TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting new NEC clients with claims involving Similac.

Our law firm continues to accept potential claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.

TorHoerman Law Obtains $495 Million Verdict in Similac Premature Infant Formula Trial

In July 2024, TorHoerman Law’s team of NEC Baby Formula Lawyers obtained a landmark $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Similac.

In this case we represented Margo Gill, a mother whose premature infant daughter developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Similac cow’s milk based formulas in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a St. Louis area hospital.

Despite having knowledge that premature babies are at an increased risk of developing NEC when given cow’s milk formula, Abbott did not provide parents of premature infants any information regarding the risk, incidence, or severity of NEC for babies on formula versus human milk.

The company admitted this in the trial.

Robynn, now almost three years old, had approximately 75 percent of her intestine removed following her NEC diagnosis, and suffered brain damage.

She will need intensive care for the rest of her life, and this verdict will provide the necessary financial support to cover her extensive medical and care needs.

On July 26, 2024, the jury delivered its verdict, holding Abbott accountable and liable to pay compensatory damages of $95 million and punitive damages of $400 million.

What Products are Included in Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits?

The Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits concern formulas that are specifically administered to premature or low birth weight infants in hospital settings, not the typical products found on store shelves.

These baby formulas are often given to infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable babies who require specialized care.

Manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories market and sell these products directly to hospitals, promoting them as essential for the growth and development of preterm infants.

However, the lawsuits allege that these formulas, which are cow’s milk-based, significantly increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in these high-risk infants.

Specific Similac infant formula products included in the Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuit include:

• Similac Alimentum
  • Similac Alimentum Expert Care
• Similac Special Care
  • Special Care 30
  • Special Care 24
  • Special care 24 High Protein
  • Special Care 20
• Similac Human Milk Fortifier
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein – Concentrated Liquid
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder
• Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier

Lawsuits are also targeting Mead Johnson Company LLC, the make of the premature baby formula Enfamil.

Similar to the Similac Lawsuit claims, Enfamil Lawsuits against Mead Johnson allege that the company’s baby formula increases the risk of NEC.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the intestinal tract of infants and is characterized by the death of intestinal tissue, leading to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other health complications including short bowel syndrome.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics in 2017 found that infants who were fed formula containing cow’s milk protein were more likely to develop NEC than those who were fed human breast milk or fed a formula made from hydrolyzed protein.

Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2018 found that formula-fed infants had a higher risk of NEC compared to those who were exclusively breastfed.

Risk of Cow’s Milk-Based Formula for Premature Babies

There is evidence to suggest that feeding bovine milk-based formula to premature babies may increase their risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

One study found that premature infants who were fed bovine milk-based formula had a higher incidence of NEC compared to those who were fed human milk or a non-bovine milk-based formula.

Another study found that premature infants who were fed bovine milk-based formula had a higher risk of NEC and other gastrointestinal complications compared to those who were fed human milk.

These studies suggest that there may be a higher risk of NEC in premature infants who are fed bovine milk-based formula compared to those who are fed human milk or a non-bovine milk-based formula.

If you are the parent of a premature infant, it’s important to discuss your feeding options with a healthcare provider to determine the best choice for your child.

TorHoerman Law is currently accepting potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.

A family may qualify for an Enfamil NEC case review when a premature or low-birth-weight infant received an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier and was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Information that may be relevant to an Enfamil NEC claim includes:

• The specific Enfamil formula or fortifier administered to the child.
• Medical and NICU feeding records documenting formula exposure.
• The timing of the NEC diagnosis following formula administration.
• Records documenting surgeries, intestinal damage, short bowel syndrome, infection, or other NEC complications.
• Documentation of long-term medical care or a death associated with NEC.

TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac or Abbott Laboratories.

We are still accepting clients with claims against Enfamil.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the chat feature on this page to request a free case review for a potential Enfamil NEC claim.

Evidence in Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits

Similac NEC litigation can involve medical, feeding, product, and manufacturer records addressing the formula administered to a premature infant and the diagnosis and treatment that followed.

Evidence discussed or used in Similac NEC claims may include:

• Medical and NICU feeding records documenting administration of a Similac formula or fortifier.
• Records documenting the timing and diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Surgical, hospital, pathology, and treatment records showing the severity of NEC and resulting complications.
• Product-identification information showing which Abbott formula or fortifier was administered.
• Medical or scientific evidence addressing NEC risk in premature infants receiving cow’s milk-based formula.
• Abbott labeling, marketing materials, warnings, and other manufacturer information relevant to the allegations in a particular case.

TorHoerman Law’s prior Similac litigation included review of evidence concerning formula exposure, NEC diagnosis, resulting injuries, and allegations against Abbott Laboratories.

Our law firm is no longer accepting new NEC clients with Similac claims.

Damages in Baby Formula NEC Lawsuits

NEC baby formula lawsuits may seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses associated with serious NEC injuries.

The damages alleged in an individual case depend on factors such as the severity of the child’s condition, surgeries and hospitalization, long-term medical needs, effects on the child’s quality of life, and losses experienced by the family.

Damages alleged in NEC baby formula lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs related to surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care for NEC.
• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional distress endured by the infant and their family.
• Lost wages: Compensation for parents who may have had to take time off work to care for their child.
• Long-term care costs: Expenses associated with ongoing medical needs and special care resulting from NEC.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life experienced by the child and family.
• Loss of consortium: Damages for the impact on family relationships due to the child’s condition.

TorHoerman Law has represented families in NEC baby formula litigation involving serious injuries to premature infants, including a 2024 Similac case that resulted in a $495 million jury verdict against Abbott Laboratories.

Our law firm is no longer accepting new NEC clients with claims against Similac or Abbott Laboratories.

TorHoerman Law is still accepting potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.

If your child developed necrotizing enterocolitis after receiving an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier in a hospital or NICU, you may be eligible to pursue an Enfamil NEC lawsuit.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the chat feature on this page to request a free case review.