What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and often life-threatening condition that affects premature infants. It causes inflammation in the intestines, leading to infection, tissue death, and, in severe cases, perforation of the intestines, which can be fatal.
The condition is frequently devastating. Even infants who survive NEC may face long-term digestive problems, developmental delays, or the need for multiple surgeries.
Necrotizing enterocolitis has been linked to the consumption of certain infant formulas, particularly those made with cow’s milk. Parents trust that the formula they give their babies is safe. When that trust is betrayed, they deserve fair compensation.
Causes of NEC in Infants
Premature babies are already vulnerable to many illnesses and health complications. When they’re fed cow’s milk-based formulas, their risk of developing NEC skyrockets.
Studies have shown that these formulas increase the likelihood of NEC in preemies, yet manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) have continued selling their products without proper warnings.
Necrotizing enterocolitis can lead to:
- Severe intestinal damage
- Sepsis (a dangerous infection that spreads throughout the body)
- Multiple surgeries, including removal of damaged intestine
- Lifelong medical complications or death
If your child developed NEC after consuming a cow’s milk-based baby formula, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Dangerous Baby Formulas Linked to NEC
Several popular formula brands are suspected to increase the risk of NEC in premature infants, including:
- Similac
- Enfamil
- Other hospital-provided or store-bought cow’s milk-based formulas
Despite studies pointing to the risks, many companies continue to push their products in hospitals and stores, failing to properly warn doctors and parents.
If your child was given any of these formulas and later developed NEC, you need reliable legal representation.
Who Is Eligible to File an NEC Lawsuit?
You may have the right to take legal action over your child’s necrotizing enterocolitis if:
- Your child was born prematurely and fed a cow’s milk-based formula (Similac, Enfamil, or similar brands).
- Your child was diagnosed with NEC after consuming formula.
- Your family suffered significant medical costs, pain and suffering, or other losses due to NEC.
Our attorneys can review your case and determine the best course of action to obtain rightful compensation.
How CohenMalad, LLP, Can Help You
Our formidable team isn’t hesitant about taking on big corporations that cut corners and put innocent lives at risk. Our lawyers can provide the following services:
- Reviewing your child’s medical records and determining whether formula use played a role in their NEC diagnosis.
- Gathering evidence showing that formula manufacturers knew the risks but failed to warn you and your medical professionals.
- Holding companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused your child and family.
- Pursuing the maximum compensation possible.
We’re not here to play nice with corporations that put profits before safety. We’re here to make sure they face the consequences of their actions.
Compensation Available in NEC Lawsuits
Families dealing with necrotizing enterocolitis face overwhelming medical costs and emotional trauma. Damages secured in NEC lawsuits can help cover the following:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up treatments)
- Future medical care (long-term complications, therapies)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income (if you had to stop working to care for your child)
- Wrongful death damages (if NEC led to fatal complications)
By making negligent formula manufacturers pay, we can ensure that you receive critical financial support and prevent other families from having to deal with this horrific condition.
The Legal Process for Filing an NEC Lawsuit
If you think you might have a viable case, here are the steps that will be involved in pursuing your claim:
- Initial consultation: We’ll review your case and explain your rights and options at no cost.
- Case investigation: We’ll gather medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to support your claim.
- Lawsuit filing: We’ll file a claim against the manufacturers of the dangerous formula.
- Settlement negotiations or trial: We’ll seek maximum compensation on your behalf, whether through a settlement or in court.
When you work with CohenMalad, LLP, there’s no cost to you unless we win.
The Statute of Limitations for NEC Lawsuits
Each state has its own deadlines for product liability and wrongful death claims, meaning you have a limited time to file an NEC lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to recover compensation.
Our team can quickly confirm your eligibility and make sure your case is filed before it’s too late.

Don’t Delay — Contact CohenMalad, LLP, Now
Your child should never have been put in this position. The formula manufacturers knew the risks, but they didn’t provide adequate warnings. CohenMalad, LLP, can help you hold them accountable.