Enfamil and Similac Baby Formula May be Linked to NEC - How to Qualify for Potential Compensation
By Steve Levine
Published: November 24, 2025
Status: Open to Claims
Payout Award: Varies
Did your premature baby develop NEC after formula feeding?
If your child was born premature, given Enfamil, Similac, or other cow's milk based formula or fortifier, and later diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, you may qualify for a lawsuit seeking compensation for NICU care, surgeries, long term complications, and other losses. Many current cases involve fragile newborns who received these products in the hospital before parents ever knew there could be a higher risk of NEC.A free case review can help confirm whether your baby's diagnosis, feeding history, and medical records fit the criteria that attorneys are using to screen NEC baby formula claims.
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What are Similac and Enfamil
Similac and Enfamil are two of the most widely used infant formula brands in the United States.Similac is produced by Abbott Laboratories and Enfamil is produced by Mead Johnson, now part of Reckitt. Both offer cow's milk based formulas and fortifiers that are often used in hospitals, NICUs, and at home when breast milk is not available or needs to be supplemented.
These brands have also faced separate open class action settlements in the past over serving size and false advertising issues, including in the Similac baby formula false advertising settlement and the Enfamil serving size class action settlement.
Who may qualify for an Enfamil or Similac NEC lawsuit
Eligibility for a NEC baby formula lawsuit usually focuses on a few key facts:• A confirmed diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Use of cow's milk based formula or human milk fortifier, often in the NICU
• Proof that these products were given before NEC developed
Parents pursuing these claims often report:
• A baby born before 37 weeks or weighing less than 5.5 pounds
• Enfamil or Similac formulas or fortifiers added to breast milk in the hospital
• Sudden symptoms such as abdominal swelling, bloody stool, vomiting, or feeding intolerance
• An NEC diagnosis confirmed by imaging, x rays, or surgical findings
• Emergency surgery to remove damaged or dead intestine in severe cases
If this sounds familiar, a short screening and free consultation can help you understand whether your family may have a claim.
What is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious intestinal disease that mostly affects premature babies. It causes inflammation in the lining of the intestines. In severe cases parts of the intestine can become damaged or begin to die, which can lead to perforation, infection, and life threatening complications.NEC is far more common in premature infants and those who receive formula derived from cow's milk instead of exclusive human milk. The condition can progress quickly, which is why early recognition and emergency treatment are so important.
Which baby formulas are under scrutiny
Enfamil and Similac are two of the most widely used formula brands in the United States. Many premature babies receive these products in the hospital or NICU when breast milk is unavailable or when extra calories are needed.Lawsuits claim that cow's milk based formulas and fortifiers from companies such as Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) can significantly increase the risk of NEC in premature infants, yet parents and even some caregivers were not adequately warned about these risks.
Some hospital focused products have received special attention in research, including formulas intended for very small premature babies and fortifiers added to human milk. Studies suggest that certain cow's milk based products may be more likely to trigger intestinal problems than human milk or human milk based fortifiers.
Have baby formulas been recalled?
Several baby formulas have been recalled in recent years for safety reasons. In February 2022, Abbott recalled specific lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare after reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections and infant deaths linked to products produced at its Sturgis, Michigan plant. The plant temporarily shut down while the company and regulators investigated.In October 2022, Abbott announced another recall for certain ready to feed liquid formulas because some bottles may not have been sealed correctly, raising concerns about spoilage and stomach problems.
While these recalls dealt with contamination and packaging issues and not NEC directly, they highlighted broader questions about how infant formulas are manufactured, tested, and monitored for safety.
Warning signs and symptoms of NEC in babies
Recognizing NEC early can make a major difference in outcomes. Parents and caregivers are often told to watch for changes such as:• Abdominal pain or unusual fussiness that is hard to soothe
• A swollen, puffy, or tender belly
• Feeding difficulties or sudden refusal to eat
• Green or yellow vomiting
• Bloody stool
• Lethargy or a sudden drop in energy
• Trouble gaining weight or unexplained weight loss
• Unstable body temperature
• Changes in breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure
In more advanced or severe NEC cases, babies may also have:
• Generalized swelling or fluid retention
• Low sodium or other electrolyte problems
• Kidney issues and high potassium levels
Any of these signs require immediate medical attention. Only a doctor can diagnose NEC and decide whether antibiotics, bowel rest, surgery, or other interventions are needed.
What increases a baby's risk of NEC
Several factors are known to raise the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in premature infants. These can include:• Premature birth before 37 weeks
• Low birth weight under 5.5 pounds
• Cow's milk based formula or fortifier instead of exclusive human milk
• Serious illness or infections in the NICU
• Hospital outbreaks of harmful bacteria
• Blood transfusions in fragile newborns
• Low oxygen levels around the time of birth
NEC is most common in premature babies in the hospital. It is relatively rare in full term infants. Feeding premature babies with mother's milk or donor human milk can significantly reduce NEC risk, which is part of why cow's milk based formulas and fortifiers are under legal and medical scrutiny.
Taking legal action over toxic baby formula
Learning that your child developed NEC after receiving certain baby formulas can be devastating. Many parents are now turning to the courts for answers and accountability. Current lawsuits:• Target manufacturers such as Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson
• Claim that these companies knew or should have known about increased NEC risks for premature babies
• Argue that warning labels and marketing did not adequately communicate those risks to parents or providers
• Seek compensation for medical costs, future care, and the profound emotional toll on families
These cases are not just about money. Many parents also want transparency about the risks of cow's milk based formula in preterm infants and better protections for future families.
How NEC baby formula lawsuits work
A typical NEC baby formula lawsuit follows several steps:• Fill out a short quiz form: Answer basic questions about your child's birth, feeding history, NEC diagnosis, and surgeries to see if your family may qualify.
• Speak with an intake team or attorney: A legal team reviews your information and connects you with a lawyer who handles NEC baby formula cases.
• Gather supporting evidence: Your lawyer helps collect NICU records, feeding charts, NEC diagnosis documentation, imaging, and surgical notes.
• File a claim: Depending on your situation, your case may be filed as an individual lawsuit within broader NEC litigation.
• Negotiate or proceed to trial: Many cases resolve through settlement. If a fair offer is not reached, some lawsuits may move forward toward trial.
Check NEC Claim Eligibility
What proof helps in NEC baby formula cases
Strong documentation can make it easier for attorneys to review and process a potential NEC claim. Helpful records can include:• NICU and hospital records describing feeding protocol and formulas used
• Chart notes showing when Enfamil, Similac, or other formulas or fortifiers were started
• Medical records confirming the NEC diagnosis
• Imaging, x ray, and surgical reports documenting intestinal damage
• Discharge summaries and follow up notes about ongoing digestive problems or short bowel syndrome
• Bills and statements showing the cost of NICU stays, surgeries, and ongoing care
What types of compensation NEC lawsuits seek
NEC baby formula lawsuits seek compensation for a wide range of losses. Depending on the case, potential damages can include:• Medical expenses: NICU care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and specialist visits
• Future medical care: Treatment for long term digestive issues, short bowel syndrome, or other complications
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma for both the child and family
• Loss of earnings and support: When a parent must miss work or leave a job to care for a child with serious health needs
• Wrongful death damages: For families who lost a child to NEC complications
Deadlines for NEC baby formula claims
There is no single nationwide deadline for NEC baby formula lawsuits. Each state has its own statutes of limitations and sometimes statutes of repose. These laws can limit how long parents have to file a claim after:• An NEC diagnosis
• Surgery or other major NEC treatment
• Learning that formula or fortifier could be linked to their child's condition
Because these deadlines can be strict and complex, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe toxic baby formula may have harmed your child.
Health and safety note
This page provides legal information, not medical advice. For questions about NEC, baby formula, or feeding options, always speak with your pediatrician or neonatologist. Never change your baby's feeding plan without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.Frequently asked questions about NEC baby formula lawsuits
What is the Enfamil and Similac NEC lawsuit about?
These lawsuits claim that cow's milk based formulas and fortifiers such as Enfamil and Similac increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies and that manufacturers did not adequately warn parents and providers. Families seek accountability and financial support for the intense medical care and long term challenges NEC can cause.Who may qualify for a NEC baby formula claim?
You may qualify if your child was born premature, received Enfamil, Similac, or other cow's milk based products, and later developed NEC that required medical treatment or surgery. Attorneys will look at gestational age, feeding records, the severity of NEC, and long term outcomes.What evidence do I need for a NEC lawsuit?
Useful evidence often includes:• Hospital and NICU records
• NEC diagnosis and surgery reports
• Formula and fortifier labels or notes confirming brands used
• Bills and insurance statements for treatment
• Notes from pediatricians and specialists describing ongoing health issues
Is there a deadline to file an NEC baby formula lawsuit?
Yes. Statutes of limitations can limit how long you have to file a claim. In many states the clock starts around the time of diagnosis, treatment, or discovery that formula may have contributed to your child's condition. Talking with a lawyer quickly can help you avoid missing important deadlines.How much does it cost to hire a NEC lawyer?
Many NEC baby formula attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That usually means no upfront legal fees. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of any settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, there is typically no attorney fee, but you should always read the fee agreement carefully and ask questions.How do I start a NEC baby formula lawsuit?
Most families begin by completing a short screening form and scheduling a free consultation. During that review a legal team will ask about your child's birth, NEC diagnosis, and feeding history, then explain whether they can move forward with a formal claim.Free NEC Case Review
Filing NEC baby formula class action lawsuit information
This page is for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not a law firm and is not a claims administrator. For legal advice speak with an attorney licensed in your state.
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| Case Summary | |
| Status | Active NEC baby formula litigation |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Varies by state statute of limitations |
| Estimated Payout | Varies by diagnosis, treatment, and losses |
| Category | Mass tort / Product liability |
| Typical Proof | NICU records, NEC diagnosis and surgery reports, formula feeding history |
| Qualifying Injuries | Necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal surgery, long term digestive complications, wrongful death |
| Free Review | Start here |