Texas Similac Lawyer Brit Mitchell | Baby Formula Lawsuit
If your baby was born-prematurely and was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) after being provided Similac baby formula within the hospital, you should contact Texas Similac Lawyer Brit Mitchell today. Doctors and medical professionals recommended that premature babies be given baby formula products for the many nutritional benefits, but new evidence shows that Similac isn’t as safe as doctors had previously thought.
A recent study has now determined that cow-milk formula products, such as Enfamil and Similac increase the risk of babies developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which has even become fatal in many circumstances. To make matters worse, the manufacturers have did not include proper warning on their product labels, resulting in parents unknowingly purchase toxic product and providing them to their children. A diagnosis of NEC required extensive medical treatment, expensive antibiotics or other medications prescribed specifically for treating the toxic intestinal infection.
Attorney Brit Mitchell has devoted her career to protecting the rights and wellbeing of kids. If your child developed health concerns as a result of baby formula they were fed in a hospital setting, she can help your family pursue the compensation that is rightfully yours! Whether your family lives in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, or any other city throughout the State of Texas, we can help. Contact us to complete a free no risk case evaluation today so we may begin working together on getting what should always be ours - security for our child's future.
On This Page:
Is Similac dangerous to premature infants?
How can a Texas Similac lawyer help me?
What is Similac?
Similac is a baby formula created by Abbott Laboratories designed to provide all the nutrients a baby needs for healthy development. The formula includes a blend of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for growth and maintenance. Similac also contains prebiotics and probiotics aimed to support digestive health. The formula is available in powder, liquid, and ready-to-feed forms, and can be customized to meet the needs of each individual baby. Up until recently, Similac was a trusted brand that has been providing formulas for over 100 years.
Is Similac dangerous to premature infants?
Yes, new medical evidence suggests that pre-mature babies who rely on cow-milk based formulas such as Similac are six to ten times more likely to develop Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) compared to infants who are fed breast milk. The main concern with Similac is that it contains high levels of aluminum. Aluminum can be dangerous for babies, and it can cause problems with their development. Studies have shown that babies who are fed Similac have higher levels of aluminum in their bodies than babies who are not fed Similac.
This is alarming considering these products have been recommended by hospitals and medical professionals for years. Surprising the many, Similac is still deemed safe to full-term babies that are medically healthy. But, parents of full-term infants should still be cautious as it only takes one contaminated batch of formula within a manufacturing plan to lead to serious health complication for your baby. The link between cow-milk based formula and NEC isn’t new, as many scientists have warned doctors about the dangers in the past.
United States health officials warn parents not to use Similac and Enfamil, or any other popular powdered infant formulas manufactured at an Abbott plant in Michigan as all are now linked to serious bacterial contamination. The Federal Drug and Food Administration has investigated numerous reports of infants who were hospitalized after consuming the formula, some cases that have resulted in fatalities. The federal agency even found that salmonella, a rare but dangerous germ that can cause blood infections, has also resulted. In light of these risks, parents are advised to exercise caution when feeding their children powdered infant formula and to seek medical attention if their child shows any signs of illness.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Necrotizing Enterocolitis most commonly occurs in premature infants, but it can also affect full-term infants and adults. Generally, Necrotizing Enterocolitis is caused by a combination of factors, including immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, infection, and inflammation. However, medical research has now found a causal link between cow’s milk-based infant formulas and premature infants developing NEC.
The mortality rate for NEC is 15-20%, but it can be much higher in premature infants. The risk increases with birth weight and pregnancy outcomes, like complications or disabilities that affect your child's quality of life later on down the line. For example if a baby is born at less than 1500 grams (about 5 pounds), then chances are around 50% with NEC will succumb to the illness or be permanently impacted by the condition.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis is characterized by the death of intestinal tissue (necrosis). This can lead to a hole in the intestine (perforation), leakage of intestinal contents into the abdomen, and sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection). Other symptoms of NEC include; abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and bloody stools. If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Was there a Similac Outbreak In Texas?
In February of 2022, news broke in Texas that parents were not to use Similac formula as it was one of the three now-dangerous formula products. On that date the FDA began working with with federal and Texas as our state was one of the first where infant infections were reported. Abbott laboratories responded by voluntarily recalling each version of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare, manufactured at the plant in question. Now, thousands of Texas families have come forward after realizing that their child develop the bacterial internal and was provided one of these three baby formulas while in the hospital.
Which Baby Formulas Have been Recalled?
The Center of Disease Control published information on the specific recalls is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2, and the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
You can find out if a specific product you purchased was included in the recall by visiting similacrecall.com. Once there, insert the code located on the bottom of the packaging, you can speak to a live representative for assisting by calling +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.).
Is There a Texas Similac Formula Lawsuit?
Yes. Similac has been hit with a number of baby formula lawsuits in Texas alleging that the popular cow-milk-based baby formula has caused many premature infants who develop a serious gastrointestinal infection. These lawsuits are alleging theories of defective design and also a failure to properly warn the public of any potentially dangerous side effects to premature infants.
Texas law provides some favorable laws for victims who have been injured by dangerous products. In particular, the state's statute of limitations for filing a products liability lawsuit is relatively long, which makes Texas an attractive venue for the filing of claims. Of course, the final outcome of any individual lawsuit will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of how a baby was impacted.
We are still in the very earliest stages of the Similac NEC litigation. None of the baby formula NEC lawsuits have been settled or gone to trial at this time. However, Sneed and Mitchell LLP is evaluating cases to ensure that families that have valid cases are able to bring a successful baby formula NEC lawsuit. Your family could receive significant financial compensation. If you believe your child has developed NEC as a result of using Similac, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
How can a Texas Similac lawyer help my family?
A lawyer that handles baby formula and pharmaceutical claims can help by evaluating your circumstance to determine whether your child is eligible to participate in a existing Similac lawsuit or whether you should file your own individual claim. Baby formula-related claims are handled by mass tort lawyers that litigate cases involving injuries caused by defective products, dangerous drugs, and exposure to harmful chemicals. A Texas Similac lawyer can address any of your questions and help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. If your child was born pre-mature and developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis, this is enough of to contact a baby formula lawyer to help you seek justice and compensation for your losses.
What is the settlement value of a Texas Similac baby formula lawsuit?
There are currently no verdicts or settlements in any of the Similac baby formula lawsuits. The litigation is in the initial stages, making it challenging to project settlement amounts with accuracy. This settlement amount will vary depending on the severity of the NEC and the resulting damages. If the NEC is caught early, it may only require hospitalization and treatment. However, if the NEC is severe, it can cause long-term damage or even death. In addition to medical expenses, plaintiffs may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life.
However, although there are no settlements of verdicts in Similac-related cases, we can examine cases solely involving NEC and pre-mature client victims, because these such cases have been going on for decades. The average settlement payout in cases of NEC in premature infants is around $3.5 million, while the median awarded in these NEC cases was $1.3 million. These numbers suggest a potential trial value, but this is not a sound measure of gauging what Similac cases might settle for, this only highlights the size of the award previously deemed necessary when cases involving pre-mature children suffering from NEC have been litigated. Some of these cases were medical malpractice cases against doctors that unintentionally perforated a baby’s intestines during a surgery, resulting in extensive complications.
Early estimates suggest that Similac-related cases will have much higher potential payouts because the defendants are big corporations. Typically, big corporations like Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, and others do not garnish the same sympathy from juries. Cases of dangerous product distribution against large companies tend to have higher settlement values.
The settlement amount will also depend on the jurisdiction in which the case is filed. Some states have caps on non-economic damages, which can limit the amount of money a plaintiff can recover. Experienced NEC attorneys will be able to advise their clients on the expected settlement value of their claim. In addition, if the baby formula was found to be defective, the company may also be required to pay punitive damages. However, it is important to remember that every case is unique, and the value of a particular lawsuit will ultimately be determined by a judge or jury.
How does a baby formula lawsuit impact parents and their children?
A baby formula lawyer has profound impact on parents and their children. First, they have provided a way for parents to seek compensation for the injuries that their children have suffered both in the past, along with any present health impacts and future concerns. Second, these lawsuits help to raise awareness of potentially dangerous baby formulas and the importance of choosing a safe and reliable product. Finally, these legal claims have resulted in changes in the way that baby formula is manufactured, marketed, and distributed, helping to make it safer for all parents and their children.
Texas Similac Lawyer Brit Mitchell
If your premature baby developed NEC, contact attorney Brit Mitchell. Brit Mitchell is a Texas Similac Lawyer that investigates and handles claims against Similac and Abbott Laboratories on behalf of parents whose children developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Contact Brit Mitchell today to learn more about your families rights and legal options by calling (866)434-0014, or by providing us your contact information so that one of our attorneys can contact you immediately.
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