TorHoerman Law is actively accepting claims for the Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit.
Defendants
Mead Johnson & Company
Abbott Laboratories (TorHoerman Law is NO LONGER accepting cases involving Abbott Laboratories)
Injuries named in lawsuit
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Intestinal damage
Surgical intervention
Long-term gastrointestinal issues
Systemic complications
Developmental impacts
You may qualify to file a claim if...
Your premature infant was fed cow's milk based formula in the NICU.
Your baby was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
NEC caused serious complications such as intestinal damage, long-term health problems, or death.
Most Recent Updates
A Missouri state court has overturned a defense verdict that favored baby formula manufacturers Abbott and Mead Johnson, ordering a new trial.
This ruling is a significant step forward for plaintiffs, especially following two previous victories in NEC trials.
In a past NEC Infant Formula Trial in the same court, the jury awarded $495 million. This case was tried by Jake Plattenberger of TorHoerman Law.
Who Qualifies for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Question: Who qualifies for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?
Answer: TorHoerman Law is currently accepting NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson. Parents or legal guardians may qualify for an Enfamil NEC claim if a premature infant received an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier in a hospital or NICU and was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac.
On this page, we discuss the factors that may affect eligibility for an Enfamil NEC claim, the products involved in the broader NEC litigation, relevant medical and feeding records, and the injuries and damages alleged in these lawsuits.
Our Lawyers are Actively Filing NEC Infant Formula Lawsuits
The NEC Lawsuit involves legal actions against major infant formula manufacturers, including Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, the makers of Similac and Enfamil, respectively.
Plaintiffs allege that these cow’s milk-based formulas significantly increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe gastrointestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants.
NEC Infant Formula Lawsuits claim that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about the increased risk of NEC associated with cow milk based formula, leading to serious health consequences for vulnerable infants.
These cases are being pursued in both state and federal courts, with some already resulting in substantial verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs.
Our lawyers are currently accepting new NEC clients with claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
If your child developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after receiving an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier in the NICU or maternity ward of a hospital, you may be eligible to file an Enfamil NEC lawsuit.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out whether you may qualify for an Enfamil NEC claim.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition that primarily affects premature infants, leading to severe gastrointestinal damage and potentially life-long health challenges such as chronic digestive issues and developmental delays.
The impact on families is profound, as they face not only the emotional strain of caring for a critically ill child but also the financial burden of long-term medical care.
NEC can result in serious medical complications, extensive treatment, and long-term care needs.
The damages available in an individual Enfamil NEC lawsuit depend on the child’s injuries, treatment history, applicable law, and other circumstances of the claim.
Several factors may affect whether a family qualifies for an Enfamil NEC claim with TorHoerman Law.
These cases generally involve premature or low-birth-weight infants who received an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier in a hospital or NICU before being diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Medical and feeding records may help document the specific Enfamil product administered, the timing of formula exposure and NEC diagnosis, and the treatment or complications that followed.
Key factors that may be relevant to an Enfamil NEC claim include:
The infant was born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
The infant received an Enfamil cow’s milk-based formula or fortifier, particularly in a hospital or NICU.
The infant was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Medical and feeding records document the child’s Enfamil exposure and NEC diagnosis.
NEC caused serious injuries, surgery, long-term complications, or death.
The claim falls within the applicable filing deadline.
The family has not already resolved the same claim through prior legal action.
These factors may affect whether a potential Enfamil NEC claim can be pursued, but eligibility depends on the facts of the individual case and applicable law.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac. We are still accepting clients with claims against Enfamil.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out whether you may qualify for an Enfamil NEC claim.
The NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit involves legal actions against major baby formula manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (makers of Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (makers of Enfamil).
Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits are filed on behalf of families whose premature infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed cow’s milk-based formulas, which are often administered in hospital NICUs.
Toxic baby formula claims allege that these manufacturers failed to adequately warn healthcare providers and parents about the increased risk of NEC associated with their products, despite evidence linking cow’s milk-based formulas to an increased risk of the condition in preterm infants.
NEC Formula Lawsuits are being pursued in both state courts and through a multidistrict litigation (MDL) process in the federal court system.
The NEC Infant Formula MDL, centralized in the Northern District of Illinois, consolidates numerous federal cases to streamline pretrial proceedings and ensure consistent rulings on common issues, while allowing each case to remain individually tried or settled.
State court cases, on the other hand, proceed independently and can yield significant verdicts, as seen in recent high-profile cases where plaintiffs have been awarded substantial compensation for their claims.
There are a significant amount of NEC Infant Formula Lawsuits filed in state courts across the country, including in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California.
Families affected by NEC are seeking justice not only for the harm caused to their children but also to hold these corporations accountable for their alleged negligence in failing to warn about the risks of their products.
As the litigation progresses, these cases could set important legal precedents regarding product liability and corporate responsibility in the healthcare industry.
The NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits represent a significant chapter in the broader effort to ensure that infant formula manufacturers prioritize the health and safety of their consumers.
If your premature baby developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed cow’s milk based formula in the NICU, you may be eligible to file an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit.
Reach out to the NEC Baby Formula Lawyers at TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.
The broader NEC litigation includes claims involving both Similac and Enfamil products.
TorHoerman Law’s current intake is limited to potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
What Baby Formula Manufacturers are Named in NEC Lawsuits?
The NEC Lawsuits primarily name Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Similac, and Mead Johnson & Company, the maker of Enfamil, as the defendants.
These manufacturers are accused of failing to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) associated with their cow’s milk-based formulas.
What Cow’s Milk Based Formulas are Involved in NEC Lawsuits?
Many of the formulas administered in hospitals contain cow’s milk and can potentially be harmful to premature babies.
For now, only Similac and Enfamil Formula have been named in lawsuits.
Similac and Enfamil cow milk formulas named in the NEC Infant Formula Litigation include the following:
Similac Baby Formulas
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
Enfamil Baby Formulas
Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder
Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein
Human Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein
Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid
Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
Enfamil Premature
20 Cal
24 Cal
24 Cal/fl oz HP
30 Cal
Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement
Similac products remain part of the broader NEC litigation discussed on this page, but TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting new NEC clients with claims against Similac or Abbott Laboratories.
Our law firm continues to accept potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
TorHoerman Law Obtains Landmark $495 Million Verdict Against Abbott Laboratories in NEC Baby Formula Trial
TorHoerman Law secured a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories in July 2024, representing one of the most significant outcomes in the ongoing NEC Baby Formula Litigation.
The case, filed on behalf of Margo Gill and her daughter Robynn, centered on the claim that Abbott’s Similac formula increased the risk for Robynn to develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition that led to severe brain damage.
The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and an additional $400 million in punitive damages, reflecting the gravity of the harm caused and the jury’s desire to hold Abbott accountable for failing to warn about the risks associated with their product.
This verdict is expected to influence the broader NEC litigation landscape, as numerous other lawsuits are pending in both state and federal courts.
The outcome of this trial not only provides significant financial relief for the Gill family but also sets a precedent for future NEC cases.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting new NEC clients with claims against Abbott Laboratories or Similac.
The firm continues to accept potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition that predominantly affects premature and low birth weight babies.
It is characterized by the inflammation and necrosis (death) of intestinal tissue, which can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, intestinal perforation, and even death.
The exact cause of NEC is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be triggered by a combination of factors, including an immature immune system, intestinal bacteria, and feeding practices involving cow’s milk-based formulas.
Infants who develop NEC often exhibit symptoms like abdominal swelling, bloody stools, and feeding intolerance, and the condition typically requires urgent medical intervention, including surgery in severe cases.
The link between cow’s milk-based infant formulas and NEC has become a focal point in ongoing litigation, as studies suggest that these formulas significantly increase the risk of NEC compared to human breast milk.
Families affected by NEC are pursuing legal action against infant formula manufacturers, claiming that they were not adequately warned about the risks associated with these products.
The Role of Cow’s Milk-Based Formula in NEC
Cow milk formula, such as Similac and Enfamil, have been implicated in the development of NEC in premature infants.
Research indicates that the immature digestive systems of preterm infants struggle to process cow’s milk proteins, leading to inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.
A study published in The Lancet found that NEC is six to 10 times more likely to develop in infants fed exclusively on formula compared to those who are breastfed.
Additionally, a 2011 report by the U.S. Surgeon General indicated that formula-fed premature infants are 138% more likely to develop NEC than those fed human breast milk.
Signs and Symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and life-threatening condition that primarily affects premature infants, and recognizing the early signs and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.
Parents and healthcare providers should be vigilant for any indications of NEC, especially in infants who are being fed cow’s milk-based formula.
Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications.
Signs and symptoms of NEC in premature infants include:
Abdominal swelling or bloating
Bloody stools
Feeding intolerance or reluctance to eat
Vomiting, particularly of green or yellow bile
Lethargy or decreased activity
Temperature instability (fever or low body temperature)
Apnea (pauses in breathing)
Low blood pressure or signs of shock
These symptoms can rapidly progress, so it’s essential to seek medical care immediately if NEC is suspected.
Potential Complications of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can lead to a range of serious complications, particularly if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
These complications can have long-lasting effects on the health and development of affected infants, making it essential for parents and healthcare providers to understand the potential risks.
Some of these complications can be life-threatening, while others may require long-term medical care and intervention.
Potential Complications of NEC include:
Intestinal perforation, leading to peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity)
Sepsis, a severe infection that spreads throughout the body
Short bowel syndrome, resulting from surgical removal of damaged intestines
Growth and developmental delays due to malabsorption of nutrients
Strictures or narrowing of the intestines, which can cause digestive problems
The need for long-term parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding)
Increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments due to severe illness and complications
Recognizing these potential complications underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of NEC to prevent further harm to the infant.
TorHoerman Law is currently accepting potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
A parent or legal guardian 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 in a hospital or NICU and was later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Relevant factors may include:
The child’s gestational age and birth weight.
The specific Enfamil formula or fortifier administered.
Medical and NICU feeding records documenting formula exposure.
The timing of the NEC diagnosis.
Surgery, intestinal damage, infection, short bowel syndrome, or other complications.
Long-term medical care or developmental effects associated with NEC.
A death resulting from NEC or related complications.
The filing deadline that applies under state law.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac. We are still accepting clients with claims against Enfamil.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out whether you may qualify for an Enfamil NEC claim.
Gathering Evidence for the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit
Medical and hospital records may provide important evidence about a premature infant’s formula exposure, NEC diagnosis, treatment, and resulting injuries.
Evidence relevant to an Enfamil NEC claim may include:
Birth and NICU records documenting gestational age and birth weight.
Feeding logs identifying the Enfamil formula or fortifier administered.
Product information and administration dates.
Medical records documenting the NEC diagnosis.
Diagnostic imaging, surgical records, and pathology reports.
Records documenting intestinal damage, infection, short bowel syndrome, or other complications.
Documentation of long-term treatment, developmental effects, or other medical needs.
Medical bills and other records of claimed economic losses.
These records may help establish the Enfamil product administered, the timing of formula exposure and NEC diagnosis, and the injuries and treatment that followed.
Assessing Damages in Infant Formula NEC Lawsuits
Damages in NEC baby formula lawsuits may include economic and non-economic losses associated with the child’s injuries.
The damages available in an individual case depend on the severity of the child’s condition, treatment and surgeries, long-term medical needs, effects on the child and family, applicable state law, and other circumstances of the claim.
Potential damages alleged in NEC lawsuits may include:
Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatments related to NEC
Future medical care costs for long-term health complications or disabilities resulting from NEC
Pain and suffering endured by the infant due to the illness and treatments
Emotional distress experienced by the family, including the trauma of caring for a critically ill child
Lost wages or loss of earning capacity if a parent had to take time off work to care for the child
Loss of enjoyment of life or diminished quality of life for both the child and the family
Funeral and burial expenses in cases where NEC led to the infant’s death
The damages available in an individual NEC lawsuit depend on the evidence and law applicable to the claim.
TorHoerman Law has represented families in NEC baby formula litigation, including serving as lead trial counsel in a 2024 case that resulted in a $495 million jury verdict against Abbott Laboratories.
Our law firm is currently accepting new 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.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out whether you may qualify for an Enfamil NEC claim.
Instead, lawsuits claiming that cow’s milk based formula increases the risk of developing NEC are consolidated into the NEC Infant Formula MDL or are pursued in relevant state courts.
The key difference between an MDL (multidistrict litigation) and a class action is how the cases are handled.
In an MDL, each lawsuit is treated individually, allowing plaintiffs to seek compensation based on their specific circumstances, while still benefiting from the efficiency of consolidated pretrial proceedings.
This approach is particularly beneficial for NEC cases, where the extent of harm and damages can vary significantly from one infant to another.
State court filings are also used because they allow for cases to be pursued under state laws, which may provide certain advantages depending on the jurisdiction.
MDLs and state court filings offer a more tailored approach to justice, ensuring that each family’s unique situation is considered in the legal process, rather than being grouped into a single class action with a uniform settlement.
This structure helps maximize the potential compensation for families affected by NEC and holds the baby formula manufacturer more directly accountable for the harm caused by their products.
To file an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit, strong evidence is essential to prove the connection between the use of cow’s milk-based formula and the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in your child.
The evidence must establish that the formula increased the risk for the condition and demonstrate the extent of the damages incurred.
Key types of evidence that can support your claim include the following:
Medical and feeding records documenting the infant’s diagnosis of NEC and the type of formula used
Hospital and NICU logs showing the care provided to the infant and any complications that arose
Expert testimony linking the use of cow’s milk-based formula to the development of NEC
Photographs and videos of the infant’s condition and treatment
Internal documents from formula manufacturers related to product safety warnings and studies on NEC risks
This evidence is critical to building a strong case and pursuing compensation for the harm caused.
The NEC Baby Formula Lawyers at TorHoerman Law work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
Instead, our NEC Lawyers only get paid if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
This structure allows families to pursue justice and compensation without the financial burden of legal fees, ensuring that everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuits primarily name two major baby formula brands: Similac Infant Formula, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, and Enfamil Premature Infant Formula, manufactured by Mead Johnson & Company.
These cow’s milk-based formulas are alleged to significantly increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, leading to severe health complications.
NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits claim that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the potential dangers associated with their products.
NEC Lawsuits are being pursued in both federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) and various state courts.
The NEC Formula MDL is consolidated in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
TorHoerman Law is no longer accepting NEC clients with claims against Similac.
Our law firm continues to accept potential NEC claims involving Enfamil products manufactured by Mead Johnson.
The primary allegations in the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits are that the manufacturers of Similac (Abbott Laboratories) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson & Company) failed to warn consumers and healthcare providers about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) associated with their cow’s milk-based formulas.
Plaintiffs claim that the companies knew or should have known about the dangers their products posed to premature infants but did not provide adequate warnings on their labels.
NEC Lawsuits argue that the failure to warn led to severe health consequences, including death in some cases, and that the manufacturers should be held accountable for the harm caused by their products.
NEC Lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred by the affected families.
Tor Hoerman has represented injured individuals for more than 30 years, with experience spanning individual personal injury cases and nationwide mass tort litigation. His work includes car accidents, catastrophic injuries, product liability claims, and other serious injury cases. Tor has served in court-appointed leadership roles in national litigation and tried cases involving major corporate defendants.
Legally Reviewed
TorHoerman Law’s legal content is researched and written by our editorial team and attorneys for legal accuracy, clarity, and relevance. We rely on statutes, court records, government publications, medical research, and other authoritative sources when applicable. This page provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice.
Fact-Checked
TorHoerman Law reviews its legal content for factual accuracy, current information, and relevant legal context before publication and as material developments occur. This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance about a specific case, contact TorHoerman Law.
Additional Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit resources on our website:
TorHoerman Law represents people whose lives have been disrupted by serious injuries, unsafe products, and negligence. Our attorneys handle individual personal injury cases as well as national mass tort lawsuits involving major corporations.
Founded in 2009, our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience handling serious injury and complex civil litigation.
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In this case, we obtained a verdict of $495 Million for our client’s child who was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis after consuming baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
