Did your preterm infant develop the gastrointestinal illness NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) after being given Similac or another bovine milk-based baby formula product? If so, you could be entitled to compensation.
The dangerous product attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP investigate claims against Abbott Laboratories (the maker of Similac) and other manufacturers who may have failed to disclose the risks of feeding cow’s milk-based formula to premature babies. You have the right to demand answers, compensation, and justice for what your child and family have been through, and our NEC lawyers are here to help you get it.
Contact Hach & Rose Today for a Free Consultation
Does Similac Cause NEC?
Scientific studies have shown that preterm babies who receive cow’s milk-based formulas like Similac and Enfamil are more likely to develop NEC. Cases of NEC most commonly occur in preterm infants between two and six weeks old. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published findings in 2019 indicating that baby formulas containing bovine milk caused higher incidences of NEC in premature and low-weight infants than in human breast milk.
What is NEC?
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a gastrointestinal bacterial infection that premature infants often suffer from. This infection causes inflammation in the intestinal tract and can even cause tissue death in the intestines. It can also cause other health complications, including strictures, sepsis, and perforations in the intestinal lining.
Other symptoms of NEC in premature infants include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Green or yellow vomit
- Difficulty eating
- Lethargy
- Difficulty gaining weight
If your preterm infant developed NEC after being fed Similac or another bovine milk-based formula, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit against the formula manufacturer your infant received. Contact our attorneys today to see whether you qualify.
NEC Lawsuit Filings Continue to Rise as Parents Push for Justice
The number of lawsuits over NEC linked to cow’s milk baby formulas is still climbing. As of July 2025, there are 740 active cases in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), up by 30 from last month. These steady increases show that families are continuing to come forward, especially now that some key legal hurdles have been cleared.
What’s The Latest News?
- Expert Testimony Allowed
- A major development happened recently when the judge overseeing the case decided that two of the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses—both respected medical professionals—can testify. This is a big win for families because it means their arguments about the dangers of cow’s milk-based formula will get a fair hearing in court.
- State Court Verdict Overturned
- In another twist, the one and only defense win in state court has now been thrown out due to misconduct. That decision has shifted momentum back toward the families and their legal teams.
- Trial Dates Are Taking Shape
- We’re also seeing movement toward the first round of bellwether trials, which are like “test” cases meant to help both sides understand how juries might respond. The first trial is scheduled for August, with more to follow later this year and into 2026.
More Than Just Federal Cases Are Pending
In addition to the federal MDL, there has been a lot of activity in state courts, too. A recent ruling in Illinois will allow thousands of cases to stay in Madison County, a jurisdiction seen as favorable to plaintiffs. That’s a big deal because it means those families won’t have to start over in new locations, and it adds more pressure on formula makers to address the growing number of claims.
What is the Ongoing Scientific Debate?
So far, agencies like the FDA and NIH say there isn’t enough proof to say definitively that baby formula causes NEC. But many doctors and researchers believe there’s a strong link, especially when premature babies are involved. With the court now allowing expert testimony that supports this connection, science will continue to play a central role in how these cases move forward.
If your child developed NEC after being fed a cow’s milk-based formula like Similac or Enfamil, you’re not alone. Many families are seeking accountability, and you may be eligible to take legal action. Talking to a qualified attorney is a good first step toward understanding your options. In the meantime, here are some basic criteria.
Do I Qualify For a Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an NEC lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Your infant was born prematurely
- Your infant received Similac or another bovine milk-based formula before developing NEC.
- Your infant was diagnosed with NEC, gut rot, or dead bowel
If you believe you qualify for a lawsuit, contact the attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP today to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options.
Compensation for NEC Lawsuits
If your preterm infant received Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula and later developed NEC, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses related to your child’s condition. The amount you may be able to recover will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your infant’s health condition, the resulting financial expenses, and the pain and suffering endured by your newborn.
Some types of compensation you may be able to recover include:
- Medical bills, surgery costs, and other expenses related to your infant’s recovery
- Lost wages, if you were unable to return to work as a result of your infant’s condition
- Other financial losses related to your infant’s condition
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Punitive damages, if appropriate
Contact the NEC lawsuit attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP if this has happened to your infant. We will review your case, identify the liable party, estimate the damages you’re owed, and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact an NEC Lawsuit Attorney Today
You may be entitled to significant compensation if your premature infant received Similac or another bovine milk-based infant formula and later developed NEC. The NEC lawsuit attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP have the experience and resources necessary to help you hold the manufacturer accountable for the harm your child has suffered.