Answer · The NEC lawsuit is a mass tort against Abbott (Similac), Mead Johnson (Enfamil) alleging Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, consolidated in MDL 3026 (N.D. Ill.). TortSignal scores this litigation 70/100 with a mid-stage campaign currently open. Estimated case value: $200K – $1.5M per qualifying claim.
Cow's-milk-based premature-infant formulas are linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating intestinal disease. $495M jury verdict in 2024 against Mead Johnson set bellwether benchmark.
Signal Score
70
Opportunity Score
78
Risk Score (lower is better)
30
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Filing velocity · last 12 weeks
152 filings / wk
Jurisdiction distribution
Plaintiff profile
Estimated case value range
$200K – $1.5M per qualifying claim
Estimates are derived from comparable bellwether outcomes, settlement matrices, and published verdicts. Not a guarantee of recovery. See methodology.
Defendant(s)
Abbott (Similac), Mead Johnson (Enfamil)
Competition
moderate
★ Recommended attorney action
Who qualifies
Premature infants (born <37 weeks) fed cow's-milk-based formula (Similac or Enfamil) who were diagnosed with NEC.
Litigation status
MDL 3026 active. Bellwether verdicts strongly favoring plaintiffs ($495M Mead Johnson 2024). Active filings.
Lead jurisdiction
Northern Illinois
Apr 14, 2026 · Law360
Second NEC bellwether returns $190M plaintiff verdict against Abbott
Apr 07, 2026 · Reuters
Abbott Similac NEC label change announced for premature infant warnings
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Plaintiffs allege Abbott (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) failed to warn that cow's-milk-based formulas significantly increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
Premature infants (born before 37 weeks) who were fed cow's-milk-based Similac or Enfamil products and were diagnosed with NEC.
Qualifying claims range from $200,000 to $1.5 million, with bellwether verdicts reaching as high as $495 million.
MDL 3026 is active in the Northern District of Illinois. Bellwether verdicts have strongly favored plaintiffs.
High-priority intake. Document NICU records, gestational age at birth, formula brand, and feeding timeline.
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