Learning that your baby has necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can be painful. This condition can affect you and your baby physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally.
It could leave your baby with permanent disabilities and lifelong conditions that require constant care and medication—which may be very costly. If your baby gets NEC due to Enfamil, you could seek legal advice from a Bradenton Enfamil lawsuit lawyer.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
NEC is a dangerous condition that affects babies during the first weeks after birth. It causes inflammation on the intestinal walls, which can weaken them and cause their deterioration. In some cases, NEC can cause perforation in the intestinal walls. It can cause lifelong challenges to the health and development of the babies and could be fatal.
The Link Between Milk-Based Formula and NEC
The high rate of development of NEC in babies has been linked to milk-based formula. In cases where mothers cannot breastfeed their babies, mothers and other caregivers will use milk-based formula as an alternative.
There are several brands of milk-based formulas for babies, and Enfamil is one of the most popular. However, this cow's milk-based formula has increased the risk of infants getting NEC.
Challenges Infants and Their Families Face With NEC
Cleveland Clinic states that after an NEC diagnosis, several challenges come with it, such as:
- Chronic health problems: NEC causes lifelong conditions, such as short bowel syndrome, which can permanently halt food consumption.
- Infection: While receiving treatment for NEC, bacteria can get into the baby's gastrointestinal tract or bloodstream, causing sepsis.
- Developmental delays: NEC can attack the baby's intestine, causing malabsorption of nutrients, which may delay development.
How Is NEC Diagnosed?
After the onset of symptoms, NEC can be diagnosed through an X-ray of the intestines, a fecal test, or a blood test. The blood test checks for bacteria, and the fecal test checks the feces for blood invisible to the human eye. To secure damages, you must prove your baby's diagnosis.
The Symptoms of NEC
NEC can especially harm premature babies because of a lack of developed intestines and other organs. Often, these infants may manifest the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Inability to hold down food
- Abdominal pressure
- Vomiting
- Slowed heart rate
- Exhaustion
- Temperature fluctuations
This condition can create significantly large medical expenses. Not only does your baby's health create stress, but the financial burden may cause stress for you. Additionally, no parent wants to see their child suffer. As the Dolman Law Group, we are here to help fight for any compensation you deserve.
Treating NEC
If your child catches NEC early, you can treat the disease using antibiotics. However, if the disease progresses quickly and the baby's health deteriorates, doctors might recommend surgery. The surgery can halt the progression of the disease from further damaging the baby's gastrointestinal system.
Preventing NEC
Studies like the one published in the journal Advances in Nutrition have shown that babies fed on a milk-based formula such as Enfamil have a higher chance of getting NEC than babies receiving breast milk.
Not giving your baby milk-based formula can help prevent the onset of NEC. In situations where the mother is unavailable or not in a position to offer breast milk, it is advisable to get breast milk from other sources as opposed to giving the baby cow's milk-based formula.
Filing a Lawsuit If Your Baby Is Injured
If your baby is diagnosed with NEC after drinking Enfamil, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Enfamil is fully aware of the link between their product and NEC development in newborns.
However, they still fail to warn parents about the risk of developing NEC after consuming their product. Product liability law can hold them liable for any damages and losses victims suffer due to their development.
The Statute of Limitations in Florida Could Affect Your Case
The time limit for a product liability claim in Florida is four years under Florida Statutes § 95.11. However, the deadline shortens to two years if a wrongful death occurs. An Enfamil lawsuit lawyer from Dolman Law Group can help you file your personal injury lawsuit on time to receive fair compensation. We want to help Bradenton families affected by this situation.
The Damages You Could Sue for in an Enfamil Lawsuit
If your baby and family suffer losses due to NEC caused by Enfamil, you could seek compensation for the following damages:
- Loss of productivity and potential income of the baby if they get permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering caused by the NEC and medical interventions, such as surgeries
- Cost of current and future medical costs for the baby
- Loss of income of the parents while they take care of the fragile baby
Accountability for NEC-Related Injuries
Establishing liability can be tricky since multiple parties could be responsible for your baby's NEC-related injuries. If your baby develops NEC after consuming Enfamil, the manufacturer can be liable for any harm done to your child.
In addition, a healthcare provider could have authorized your baby to feed on Enfamil. This party's insurance provider could be liable, as well. A hospital could also share the burden of paying you if it is the driving force behind feeding your infant with Enfamil milk-based products.
Our Dolman Law Group lawyers will assist in proving liability on any responsible party, ensuring you receive any needed reimbursements to help you and your family. We will care for you and any expenses required; you focus on your child's health.
Contact a Dolman Law Group Lawyer Today
An Enfamil lawsuit lawyer from Dolman Law Group can help you investigate your case. Once our lawyer proves the formula given to your baby caused the NEC, we can file a lawsuit against the parties responsible and get you compensation.
If Enfamil has caused NEC that has significantly affected your baby's well-being, you need to seek justice. Contact our Bradenton team at Dolman Law Group today.
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6703 14th Street West Suite 207
Bradenton, FL 34207
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