Your little one might mean the world to you. Your sense of responsibility as a parent increases from the day they arrive on earth. As a parent of a preemie, your duties are double toward taking care of their food and sleep habits. If you are concerned about your premature infant and think the child has developed NEC, this guide is for you. Let’s get straight to the point by narrating the NEC case briefly.
What Exactly Are NEC Cases?
Until December 18, 2023, there have been more than 50 cases of NEC preterm infant class action MDL. Until January, more than 342 active cases have been pending in the multidistrict litigation. Now, coming to the point – what are NEC cases?
NEC (short form of Necrotizing enterocolitis) is a chronic intestinal disease in premature babies. The condition occurs when the large or small intestine’s tissue gets injured. It may also result from inflamed small/large intestinal tissues. Severe conditions result in the death of the intestinal tissue. An infant may get perforation (a hole) inside the intestinal wall. That means their intestine cannot hold waste.
If such a condition occurs, bacteria enter their bloodstream, resulting in life-threatening infections. Waste might pass into the abdomen, resulting in more sickness in babies. This injured intestine might require complete removal if it dies. Now, coming to the cause – as per reports, baby formula or preemie formula.
Understanding the Symptoms of NEC – How Doctors Detect the Condition?
A baby may be diagnosed with NEC within 2 and 6 weeks after birth. The following are the symptoms an infant can experience in NEC:
- Swelling and abdomen pain
- Changes in the blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature
- Bloody stool and diarrhea
- Yellow and green vomit
- Lethargy
- Not eating the right amount of food
- No weight gains
In the diagnosis, the doctor may see the food staying in the stomach for a longer timeframe. The infant may get an unstable body temperature.
The Connection between NEC and Infant Formula – What Should You Learn?
Infants, especially premature babies who cannot consume their mother’s milk, need supplemental food to get the nutrients. That’s where the role of baby formulas like Similac and Enfamil come into being. But if you consider the latest reports, manufacturers Mead Johnson and Abbott (of the mentioned baby formula) neglected the consequences of these products on babies.
Their negligence resulted in the loss of lives of some infants. The wrongful death of infants proved to be emotionally and financially devastating for young parents. Some parents who have experienced such conditions have filed lawsuits against these companies that have neglected the risks associated with Similac and Enfamil.
If you know someone who has lost their infant due to NEC, it’s time to file the case. Besides wrongful death, parents who are still struggling with the medical consequences associated with this disease can file an NEC case.
Eligibility Criteria to File a Lawsuit Against NEC Baby Formula
When your baby consumes cow-based milk formula and develops NEC, you are qualified to file a lawsuit against NEC baby formula. The most common types of baby formula are Similac and Enfamil. Such baby formula has reportedly been claimed to have developed NEC in premature infants.
Your baby was prematurely born and was fed with cow-based preemie formula. As a parent, you must show evidence or proof that your child was diagnosed with NEC after consuming baby formula. The infant’s wrongful death due to the consumption of
How Should You Consult a Lawyer?
Seeking consultation from an NEC attorney might help you get the compensation you deserve from the court. You can confidently file the NEC baby formula lawsuit with a lawyer by your side. The solicitor helps you create a successful lawsuit against the baby formula manufacturers.
The qualified attorney understands the requirements to create a strong personal injury case against these manufacturers. The attorney reviews the case and offers an all-encompassing consultation. Working with a legal firm helps you understand the legal aspects. You can build a trustable relationship with your lawyer going forward. However, before appointing a legal consultant, you may ask certain questions to assess their expertise:
- Ask about their expectations from clients
- Ask whether they can contact them easily or not
- Ask whether the attorney will collaborate with other lawyers or work individually with you
Besides these questions, you must ask about the legal expenses related to the NEC lawsuit. Don’t hesitate to ask about previous client testimonials, as they can give you an insight into the lawyer’s experience and success. Most importantly, ask about the time required to file the lawsuit.
Wrapping up
So, while hiring an NEC lawyer, ensure you ask the above questions. Lastly, your lawyer should understand and follow the statute of limitations while pursuing your NEC lawsuit. With these things in mind, you can seek legal recommendations from an experienced solicitor.