Last year, Similac, marketed by Abbott Laboratories, made rounds in the news channels after a premature infant died from consuming one of its formulas.

Several studies report that cow-milk formulas like Similac expose infants to the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a chronic bowel infection. To step back in time, countless infants with dietary restrictions, preterm infants, and full-term infants have been fed with Similac in hospitals to ensure healthy growth.

Nevertheless, until an infant passed away after consumption of Similac PM 60/40 formula in February 2022, it wasn’t discovered that Similac is linked to Cronobacter sakazakii infection. Since the day this information was brought to light, parents whose preterm babies were diagnosed with NEC after consuming Similac have been filing lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories.

Are your babies among them? Or do you know someone whose premature infant suffers from NEC because of the Similac formula?

Whatever the case, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about the Similac baby formula lawsuit. By the end, you’ll figure out if you qualify for compensation, so read it until the end.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis usually affects premature infants and low-birth-weight infants. This bacterial gastrointestinal disease causes inflammation in the intestinal wall that can lead to tissue death. Although it’s treatable by antibiotics, abdominal repair surgery of the damaged tissues is required in case of severe inflammation.

Similac Products that are said to lead to NEC are listed below:

• Special Care 30

• Liquid Protein Fortifier

• Special Care

• NeoSure

• 360 Total Care

• Human Milk Fortifier Powder

• Go & Grow

• Special Care 24

• Alimentum

• Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid

• Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid

• Special Care 20

• Special Care 24 High Protein

Symptoms your infant is suffering from NEC infection are as follows:

• Liver disease

• Red, swollen belly
• Halted breathing

• Lowered temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure

• Diarrhea along with dark or bloody stools

• Green or yellow vomit

• Constipation

• Apnea

• Lethargy

• Ileus

NEC in preterm babies can be life-threatening, as it is linked to sepsis, short bowel syndrome, intestinal strictures, and brain damage. In the worst cases, it may cause the death of your premature infant.

Hence, if your newborn exhibits any of these symptoms, they may be suffering from NEC. In that case, you’re eligible to file a Similac lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories and seek monetary damages.

Despite the fact that cases are being chosen for bellwether trials, very few firms like TorHoerman Law are still accepting new clients for multidistrict litigation. Families of infants exposed to NEC due to the consumption of Similac formula may be able to recover damages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses by working with such law firms.

Who’s Eligible to File A Similac Lawsuit?

Similar to wrongful death lawsuits, several criteria must be met in order to qualify for a Similac lawsuit. They are as follows:

• Your child must be a premature baby
• Your newborn baby should have received Similac while in the hospital

• Your preterm infant is diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis

If you meet these three criteria, you can file a compensation claim against Abbott Laboratories with the help of an experienced attorney.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations for Similac Lawsuit?

Since Similac lawsuits fall under the category of product liability lawsuits, parents have a two-year window to file for lawsuits. This two-year time frame is also applicable for wrongful death because of infant formulas.

That means whether your child has suffered harm after consuming Similac or died, you have only two years to file for a claim.

Timeline Of The Similac Baby Formula Lawsuit

While some cases may settle in a few months, others can extend up to years. Basically, the timeline depends on the litigation strategy of the victims’ attorney and the willingness of each party to settle the case.

Lawsuits involving toxic baby formulas like Similac are often complex. That’s mainly because the plaintiff has to prove the other party is responsible for the deteriorating health of their children.

From collecting evidence to support your claims in a court of law to determining the severity of the victim’s loss, a lot has to be taken into consideration to arrive at a conclusion. Therefore, there’s no straightforward answer to how long your Similac lawsuit will take to resolve. In this regard, an experienced attorney will be able to guide you.

Filing a Similac Lawsuit in 2023

Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a deadly disease that, in the worst-case scenarios, may lead to death in preterm infants.

Anytime your child exhibits symptoms of NEC disease, the first thing that you should do is consult a pediatrician. If, upon diagnosis, you learn they are suffering from NEC due to Similac formulas, contacting an attorney would be the best way forward.

Make sure to keep the medical records handy, which states your child was born prematurely and fed Similac formula. With such proof at hand, your chances of winning fair compensation will be high.