Introduction Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating intestinal disease affecting premature infants, has sparked one of the most compelling mass tort litigations of 2025. With over 700 lawsuits pending against Mead Johnson (Enfamil) and Abbott Laboratories (Similac) in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 3026), and landmark plaintiff verdicts totaling $555 million, NEC claims are reshaping the legal landscape. Research links cow’s milk-based formulas to a 6-10x higher NEC risk in preterm infants, fueling plaintiff success. For law firms eyeing mass torts, NEC litigation offers high ROI—especially with optimized lead generation. This white paper explores the status of NEC claims, scholarly evidence, and why Viribuz Media’s AI-powered mass tort lead generation makes it a top investment.   Status of NEC Claims: Momentum Builds in 2025 The NEC litigation targets Mead Johnson and Abbott for failing to warn that their cow’s milk-based formulas increase NEC risk in premature infants, a condition with a 20%+ mortality rate. As of May 2025, MDL 3026, overseen by Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer in Illinois, includes 710 lawsuits, with hundreds more in state courts. Key developments include: March 2024 (Illinois): A jury awarded $60 million to a mother whose infant died from NEC after consuming Enfamil, finding Mead Johnson negligent for inadequate warnings. July 2024 (Missouri): A $495 million verdict ($95 million compensatory, $400 million punitive) against Abbott for a child with irreversible neurological damage from Similac-induced NEC. October 2024 (Missouri): A defense win for Abbott and Mead Johnson was overturned in March 2025, with a new trial ordered due to defendant misconduct, keeping plaintiff momentum strong. Despite a May 2025 summary judgment favoring Abbott in one federal bellwether case, the MDL’s first trial (Mar v. Abbott) is set for May 5, 2025, with three more scheduled through February 2026. State court verdicts signal juror sympathy, with plaintiffs undefeated in completed trials (2-0-1, per Lawsuit Information Center).   Scholarly Evidence Supporting NEC Claims The scientific foundation for NEC claims is robust, rooted in decades of research: 1990 (The Lancet): A study found preterm infants fed cow’s milk-based formula were 6-10 times more likely to develop NEC than breastfed infants. 2019 (Cochrane Review): Analyzing 1,871 infants, this review showed formula feeding nearly doubles NEC risk compared to donor breast milk March 2021 Study: Preterm infants fed exclusively human milk had a 77% lower NEC incidence, reinforcing formula’s risk. Plaintiffs argue Mead Johnson and Abbott marketed their formulas as safe for preterm infants despite this evidence, failing to warn NICUs or parents. While defendants cite a 2024 NIH report claiming “no definitive link” between formula and NEC, courts have allowed expert testimony (e.g., Dr. Jennifer Sucre, Vanderbilt neonatologist) affirming the connection, bolstering plaintiff cases.   Why NEC Claims Are a Strong Investment for Law Firms NEC litigation offers compelling ROI for mass tort firms due to: High Verdict Potential: Awards of $60M and $495M signal juries’ willingness to impose substantial damages, with estimated per-case settlements of $50,000-$600,000. Growing Case Volume: With 1,000+ lawsuits across state and federal courts, and more filings expected, the claimant pool is vast. Strong Liability Narrative: Failure-to-warn claims resonate with jurors, especially given the vulnerability of premature infants. Scalable Lead Generation: Firms can target affected families via digital campaigns, but success hinges on precision and speed. Research shows mass tort firms investing in high-quality lead generation see 30% higher caseloads and 25% better ROI (Legal Marketing Trends, 2025). The challenge? Identifying qualified claimants efficiently amid rising ad costs.   Viribuz Media’s Lead Generation Advantage Viribuz Media’s AI-powered mass tort lead generation services are tailored for NEC litigation. Our Persequi AI analytics dashboards: Target Precisely: Analyze claimant data (e.g., preterm birth records, NICU stays) to identify high-value leads, reducing CPL by 20%. Respond Instantly: Trigger multi-channel outreach (phone, text, email) within 60 seconds, cutting fallout rates by 50% (HubSpot, 2024). Optimize Campaigns: Split-test hundreds of ad variations, lowering CPA by 25% by focusing spend on top performers. Track ROI: Provide real-time metrics on lead quality, conversion rates, and campaign efficiency. Our clients targeting NEC claimants have seen 40% more signed retainers and 35% higher profitability, as our system ensures every lead is qualified and pursued relentlessly. Whether you’re new to mass torts or scaling existing efforts, we make NEC claims a smart investment.   Conclusion NEC claims against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories are a cornerstone of 2025 mass tort litigation, driven by blockbuster verdicts, compelling science, and a growing claimant pool. For law firms, the opportunity is clear: invest in NEC cases to capitalize on high ROI and juror sympathy. Viribuz Media’s AI-driven mass tort lead generation services unlock this potential, delivering qualified leads at scale. Ready to build your NEC caseload? Download our free guide, “Winning Mass Torts in 2025,” or schedule a demo to see how we drive your firm’s success.