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NEC, or Necrotizing Enterocolitis is an acute gastrointestinal condition that predominantly affects premature babies (born before 27 weeks). The disease causes inflammation in the tissues present in the small or large intestine. It can be fatal as it kills tissues in the intestinal tract and causes the colon to get infected due to bacteria.
Most commonly, it’s found in babies who are given infant formula as compared to those who are fed with breast milk. For new parents, this is nothing short of a nightmare. Seeing your newborn child suffer can be a harrowing experience. Moreover, the medical expenses that follow add to the already-existing stress.
In this article, we’ll get a better understanding of NEC, scrutinize the reasons behind parents filing an NEC lawsuit, and delve deeper into how an NEC lawsuit takes a toll on parents’ lives.
Causes of NEC
The causes of NEC remain unclear. In premature babies, it mostly arises due to infection in the infant’s gut, leading to the growth of bacteria in the intestine. Other causes could also include:
- Low blood circulation to the gut.
- Compromised food digestion causes the increase of toxic substances.
- The inability of the digestive system to fight dangerous bacteria.
- The immature gut fails to secrete biochemical defenses.
NEC in full-term children occurs when they are already sick or their body weight is lower than the average. It could also occur in babies who have undergone bypass surgery or suffer from a congenital heart disease.
Another factor is the formula given to babies. According to research, breast milk contains antibodies that help the child’s gut remain healthy. Since infant formulas lack any kind of beneficial bacteria it can possibly be harder to digest.
According to TorHoerman Law, there are higher chances of NEC in premature children, if they have been given cow milk-based formula. Similac and Enfamil, manufacturers of bovine milk-based formula have been linked to causing NEC in infants.
For new parents, it’s necessary to be on the lookout for any signs of NEC in their infants. Let’s take a quick look at them in the next section.
Symptoms of NEC
- Stomach pain and swelling
- Changes in body temperature and breathing
- Diarrhea accompanied by blood in the infant’s stool
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in heart rate
On noticing any of the above symptoms, parents should take the child for a health examination. Health providers usually suggest X-rays, fecal tests, or blood tests.
As of June 2024, there are approximately 514 pending NEC lawsuit claims. Although the cases filed saw a slight decline, one cannot ignore the severity of the disease and its outcome. In our next section, we’ll briefly walk you through the NEC lawsuit.
Decoding the NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit
Many infants with NEC die due to the fatal disease. Although the main reason behind NEC isn’t crystal clear, scientific studies point towards cow milk-based formula being the primary cause.
Parents allege that Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories (manufacturers of Enfamil and Similac) did nothing to warn parents about not giving their children milk formula. Instead, they marketed their products to be safe despite knowing the possible repercussions.
Although infants are most affected by the fatal disease, the entire experience can be distressing for parents.
Economic Effects of NEC on Parents
NEC has long-lasting economic repercussions on the lives of parents. Here are some of the major expense areas:
Medical Costs
- Prolonged hospital stay for premature babies in NICUs.
- Surgery, if there is a need to remove the damaged part of the infant’s intestine.
- Costs involved in specialized nutrition, ongoing medicines, and rehabilitation therapies.
Lost Wages
- Parents may have to extend their leaves to care for the child, leading to decreased household income.
- Some parents may have to manage working hours and cut back on them to accommodate making time for their child.
Long-term therapy, delays in the infant’s development and milestones, taking care of nutrition, and prolonged severe health complications can be expensive in the long run.
Emotional Effects of NEC on Parents
Apart from economic strain, emotional stress can also take a toll on the everyday lives of parents. The severe pain, medication, and probable procedure or surgery are physically taxing for such young children, leading to anguish in their parents. The fear of losing their child all the time is numbing and may hamper their routine, work, eating habits, and sleep.
The uncertainty of the cause of this lethal disease leaves parents bewildered, not knowing what to do next. In certain cases, the doctors may end up not treating the child accurately, as all medical practitioners aren’t aware of NEC.
Sometimes, despite their best efforts, parents find themselves in a helpless situation wherein no medication or surgery works out for the infant, causing extreme anxiety. Moreover, the hospital environment can add to feelings of fear, helplessness, and panic. The constant beeping of machines, seeing the infant struggling medically, and the presence of other children in similar situations are painstaking.
Many parents start feeling guilty about small activities like taking breaks, focusing on self-care, or spending time with friends. They may also blame themselves and constantly analyze their actions to see if they could do anything differently to prevent the disease. This emotional rollercoaster can significantly impact their mental health in the long run.
Frequently Added Questions (FAQs)
What happens when an infant is diagnosed with NEC?
When NEC is diagnosed, treatment begins right away. All feedings are stopped immediately. The doctor may insert a tube through the nose or mouth of the infant to drain fluid from the stomach or remove air. IV fluids are given to maintain nutrition levels in the infant. Thereafter, several tests are conducted, and surgery is suggested only if required. In some severe cases, surgery is needed at the earliest.
Why do I need a lawyer to help with the NEC lawsuit?
Experienced and skilled NEC baby formula lawyers will guide you through the legal procedures, gather all the necessary evidence, negotiate with the liable parties, and ensure you get fair compensation.
Is there any deadline to join the NEC lawsuit?
Yes. However, the exact deadline depends on the jurisdiction and some other factors. It’s best to file the lawsuit as promptly as possible for better chances of making claims.
What is the NEC MDL (multidistrict litigation)?
In MDL, a single federal court hears several similar cases that have a common defendant, for faster outcomes and to streamline proceedings. In the case of the NEC lawsuit, several parents whose premature babies were diagnosed with NEC after consuming bovine-based milk formula, Enfamil and Similac in particular.
As of June 2024, hundreds of NEC infant formula lawsuits have been filed against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories. The NEC lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL in the northern district of Illinois. The manufacturers, however, haven’t yet recalled the products, Enfamil and Similac, which are potential causes of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies.
The current legal proceedings are only in the initial stages, so nothing concrete can be said about the expected settlements or the outcome of the cases.
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