If your premature infant in North Carolina has been diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming cow's milk-based baby formulas such as Similac or Enfamil, you may be entitled to significant compensation in a baby formula NEC lawsuit. At Riddle & Riddle, we are committed to helping families hold negligent baby formula manufacturers accountable. Our experienced attorneys are here to fight for the justice and financial compensation your family deserves.
North Carolina is our home and we are committed to seeking justice for our fellow North Carolinians. Our experienced NC baby formula NEC lawsuit attorneys are ready to help however we can — please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation case review.
There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do. When Justice Counts™, you can count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. Contact our lawyers or call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and Its Link to Baby Formula
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. It causes inflammation and tissue death in the intestines, leading to potentially life-threatening complications, including:
- Intestinal perforation: Holes in the intestine that allow bacteria to leak into the abdomen.
- Sepsis: A severe bloodstream infection that can cause organ failure.
- Short bowel syndrome: A condition requiring long-term nutritional support due to the loss of damaged intestines.
In the most heartbreaking cases, NEC can result in death.
Symptoms of NEC
Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of NEC, which may include:
- Abdominal swelling and tenderness
- Bloody stools
- Feeding intolerance
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting
If your infant exhibits any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Link Between Cow's Milk-Based Formulas and NEC
Scientific research has strongly linked NEC to cow’s milk-based infant formulas used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and hospitals. Studies have shown:
- That NEC is 6-10 times more common in exclusively formula-fed premature infants (The Lancet)
- That NEC rates were significantly lower in infants fed human donor milk compared to those fed cow’s milk-based formula (Johns Hopkins)
Despite these findings, manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) are alleged to have failed to warn parents and healthcare providers about these risks.
Manufacturers strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing in these cases.
Recent Developments in NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits
April 2025 Update
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Progress
The NEC baby formula multidistrict litigation (MDL 3026) continues to grow. As of April 2025, there are 683 active lawsuits pending before U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer in the Northern District of Illinois. These cases are currently in the discovery phase, with bellwether trials scheduled to begin later in 2025.
Recent Trial Outcomes
In March 2024, an Illinois jury awarded $60 million to the family of a premature infant who died after being fed Enfamil formula. The jury found that Mead Johnson, the manufacturer, failed to adequately warn about the risk of NEC associated with its product.
In contrast, in October 2024, a Missouri state court jury ruled in favor of Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, finding no liability in a similar case. However, in March 2025, a U.S. circuit court granted the plaintiffs a new trial, reopening the case and bringing renewed attention to the litigation.
Manufacturer Responses and Market Implications
The ongoing litigation has prompted significant responses from the manufacturers. Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of Mead Johnson, has indicated a potential willingness to consider settlements to resolve NEC-related claims. Both Abbott and Reckitt have also experienced stock market impacts as the lawsuits continue to unfold, reflecting investor concern about potential liabilities. However, it's important to note that defendants in these cases continue to strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing in these cases.
Implications for Affected Families
With the litigation moving forward and bellwether trials on the horizon, families of premature infants who developed NEC after consuming cow's milk-based formulas are encouraged to seek legal counsel. Our experienced NEC baby formula attorneys can help families assess their cases and navigate the evolving legal landscape. Call 1-855-924-5476 for a free case review today.
IMPORTANT: Both companies maintain that their preterm infant nutrition products are safe and dispute claims linking their formulas to NEC. They emphasize that current scientific evidence does not conclusively establish such a connection.
Do You Qualify for a Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:
- Your baby was born prematurely and was fed cow’s milk-based formula, such as Similac or Enfamil.
- Your infant was diagnosed with NEC after consuming the formula.
- You have medical records confirming your child’s NEC diagnosis and can establish a link between the illness and formula use.
If you meet these criteria, call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review.
Compensation Available in a Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit
If your child developed NEC after consuming baby formula, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for your child’s suffering and the emotional toll on your family.
- Future medical care: If your child requires long-term treatment due to NEC complications.
- Wrongful death damages: If NEC resulted in a fatal outcome, families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle?
As a North Carolina-based law firm, we take pride in helping North Carolina families affected by potentially defective baby formula products. Here’s why families across the state trust us:
- Local Expertise: We understand North Carolina laws and courts (both federal and state-level) and can fight for the best possible outcome for your family.
- Personalized Representation: We offer hands-on, personalized legal guidance for each client. We strive to treat clients like family and we honored to be named a “Best Family-Run Law Firm” by NC Lawyers Weekly in 2025 (see disclaimer below).
- Proven Results: We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for victims of product liability and personal injury cases, including over $850 million secured for our clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.” — Linda B., Riddle & Riddle client
Recognition and Awards
Led by attorney and managing partner Gene Riddle and his daughter, attorney and partner Alex Riddle, our North Carolina lawyers have been recognized for their experience and results by many prestigious membership organizations and awards (see disclaimer below), including:
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- The Litigator Award
📞 Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review and let’s see if you have a claim in the baby formula NEC litigation.
Steps to Take If You Believe You Qualify
- Gather Documentation
- Medical records confirming your infant’s NEC diagnosis.
- Proof that your baby was fed Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula.
- Consult with Our Attorneys
- Contact Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case evaluation.
- Discuss your case and potential legal options.
- Take Legal Action
- If eligible and you decide to hire us, our attorneys will guide you through the lawsuit process.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
📞 For a FREE case review, call 1-800-525-7111 today and speak with a North Carolina attorney handling baby formula NEC lawsuits.
The Legal Process for a Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit
If you qualify for a lawsuit and decide to hire us to represent you, our legal team will guide you through:
- Case Evaluation – A free consultation to assess your eligibility.
- Investigation and Documentation – Collecting medical records and product evidence.
- Filing the Lawsuit – Initiating legal proceedings against Abbott, Mead Johnson, or other potentially liable parties.
- Negotiation and Settlement Talks – Working to secure a fair settlement for your family. Remember, there are no guarantees and the outcome of any case depends on the unique facts and circumstances of that case.
- Trial, If Necessary – If a settlement isn’t reached, we are prepared to help take your case to trial to seek maximum compensation.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
Lawsuits involving NEC and baby formula contamination are subject to strict time limits. Each state has a statute of limitations, and waiting too long could impact your ability to recover compensation.
📞 Don’t wait — call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation case review.
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
When Justice Counts™, trust the North Carolina injury lawyers at Riddle & Riddle. If your premature infant suffered from NEC potentially due to Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula, let us help you fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.
We offer free case evaluations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
📞 Don’t wait—call 1-800-525-7111 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. We’re ready to help however we can.