Toxic Baby Formula and NEC Class Action Attorneys
Holding Companies Responsible for Over 50 Years
Families affected by Infant Necrotizing Enterocolitis due to questionable baby formula products may be able to pursue legal action. Bradley/Grombacher LLP is dedicated to helping consumers hold unethical corporations responsible for their actions. Our firm of tenacious class action lawyers can help you pursue a consumer class action lawsuit that identifies the responsible parties and accurately describes the harm their illegal actions created.
Schedule a free initial consultation today if you believe you may have an NEC toxic baby formula class action claim. Call us at (888) 418-7094 or fill out our online contact form. Serving clients nationwide!
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
NEC or Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal condition that causes intestinal tissue to die or creates a hole in the intestine that bacteria may leak through, causing infections. This condition predominantly affects premature newborn babies.
In many cases, premature babies are held in the neonatal intensive care unit after birth to ensure that the baby is healthy and continues developing in a controlled medical environment. These babies are often given formula during their time in the NICU since their birth mother is not present to feed them.
Many formula brands are fortified with cow's milk, which contains enzymes and bacteria that may not be suitable for premature newborns. Due to underdevelopment and a weaker digestive system, it is easier for newborns to contract an intestinal infection that their immune systems have difficulty fighting off. Additionally, oxygenated blood may have a more challenging time reaching the intestines, leaving the digestive tract vulnerable to tissue damage and infection.
If a premature newborn contracts NEC, they may have severe tissue damage, or a hole may form in the intestinal wall that allows bacteria to leak into the body and causes extremely harmful infections. Approximately one in four babies who contract NEC may need surgery to remove dead intestinal tissue and repair the hole. Surgeries also pose risks to the child, resulting in lifelong gastrointestinal issues.
What Are the Symptoms of NEC?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis may occur within two to six weeks after birth. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Diarrhea with bloody stool
- Lethargy
- Changes in heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing
- Refusing to eat and lack of weight gain
NEC can also lead to cerebral palsy or death in severe cases. If you believe your child may have NEC, consult with your healthcare provider immediately. They may take blood and fecal tests and perform x-rays to determine the diagnosis of your newborn.
NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits
About one in ten babies are born prematurely in the United States, and at least 10% of them develop necrotizing enterocolitis. These babies are often put into the care of neonatal intensive care doctors and nurses who may be unaware of the risks of giving baby formula to premature children in the NICU. Parents may also be unaware of the risks and feed their children formula after birth.
Many popular formula brands contain cow's milk which is not recommended for babies. Parents of premature babies born before 37 weeks of gestation and who have a diagnosis of NEC may be eligible to pursue a class-action lawsuit against formula companies that use cow's milk.
These companies include:
- Similac Special Care
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier
- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Infant Formula
If you use any of the formula brands listed above and your newborn has been diagnosed with NEC, you can pursue legal action against these companies.
NEC can cause extensive damage to your child's digestive system, and the care and cost of a sick child can take an emotional and financial toll on your family. Hold these companies responsible for their actions by speaking to our attorneys.
Helping Victims Take Action Across the Nation
If you believe you may have an NEC baby formula claim, Bradley/Grombacher LLP can help. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping consumers nationally assert their rights and hold companies responsible for their negligence and the harm caused by their unethical marketing practices.
Contact Bradley/Grombacher LLP to schedule your free initial consultation. Serving clients nationwide!