Infant Formula Lawsuits – What You Need to Know

The past few years have seen a number of lawsuits filed against companies like Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson over infant formula, with cases primarily focused on allegations that cow’s milk-based formulas, like Similac and Enfamil, given to premature infants have contributed to a gastrointestinal condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a severe gastrointestinal condition that can lead to intestinal tissue death and, in some cases, it can even be fatal. Families affected by NEC have filed lawsuits claiming these companies failed to adequately warn about the potential risks associated with their products.

Last year saw two significant verdicts in these cases. A jury in St. Clair County, Illinois, delivered a $60 million to a woman whose infant tragically died from NEC after consuming Enfamil formula while a Missouri jury returned a $496 million to several plaintiffs in a similar case. On the flip-side, in October 2024, a St. Louis jury found in favor of Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson in a case where a premature infant developed NEC after consuming their formulas.

In 2025, multidistrict litigation over infant formula cases continues to progress in the Northern District of Illinois. The court has scheduled the first bellwether trials to begin this year, with the first set to commence on May 5, 2025. These trials are being held in hopes of gaining further clarity and resolution on formula manufacturers’ legal responsibilities to the public and are likely to shape the contours of these lawsuits as we proceed through the year. If you believe your infant has suffered from NEC or other gastrointestinal problems from consuming Similac or Enfamil, you should contact an experienced law firm right away to explore your rights.