Baby Formula And Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Team of Seasoned Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Fight to Obtain the Best Possible Results for Families of Babies Who Have Suffered Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Caused by Cow Milk-Based Formulas in Buffalo, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

Necrotizing enterocolitis, also commonly known as NEC, is a severe intestinal disease that particularly affects small babies. Approximately 90% of all infants who develop the condition are born prematurely. Necrotizing enterocolitis affects roughly 1 in 1,000 preterm babies. The risk is highest for infants that weigh less than 2 pounds. Babies usually develop NEC within 2 to 6 weeks after being born. The condition can cause terrible inflammation in both the small and large intestines. In severe instances, the inflammation may result in the death of intestinal tissue and even a perforation in the intestinal wall. Consequently, the intestine may secrete waste into the infant’s stomach, making the baby seriously ill. The damaged intestine, or pieces of it, can die and require surgery to be removed.

According to the United States Surgeon General, formula feeding of vulnerable preterm babies is linked to higher rates of necrotizing enterocolitis. Many premature babies are incapable of breastfeeding and are forced to rely on cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Similac and Enfamil. However, these products are known to significantly increase the risk of NEC. Suppose your baby developed NEC after feeding on Similac and Enfamil baby formulas. In that case, you owe it to yourself to contact a highly skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Pursuing a product liability claim against the responsible manufacturer may be the best way to secure a better future for your child.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his veteran team of necrotizing enterocolitis illness attorneys in Buffalo, New York, strive to provide the highest level of personal injury service to the families of premature babies who have suffered from damaged intestines or worse. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s best of the best team is firmly committed to battling for the legal rights of infant victims. Our primary objective is to help provide parents with enough money to ensure that their children’s medical treatments are paid for. We want nothing more than your child to fully recover so that he or she can move on with their life. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has aggressively litigated to obtain over $175 million in verdicts and settlements for clients and their families who suffered injuries and illnesses caused by someone else’s negligence. Our compassionate team is accessible 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by calling 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. Please see our Google 5 Star rating and clients’ testimonials by clicking here.

Premature babies who develop necrotizing enterocolitis are at risk of suffering various health problems, including:

1. Abdominal Infections: Some infants form perforations in their intestinal walls. These holes allow bacteria to leak out of the intestine and go into the abdominal cavity. This can result in an inflammation of the inside of the baby’s tummy called peritonitis. This condition may spread to other regions of the body and heightens the risk of suffering from sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.
2. Short Bowel Syndrome: When necrotizing enterocolitis impairs or destroys part of the small intestine, an infant can develop short bowel (short gut) syndrome. This condition happens when a section of the small intestine is badly damaged and not working properly. Short bowel syndrome makes it impossible for the body to absorb sufficient nutrients and fluids. Children afflicted with this condition need life-long care just to obtain adequate nutrition to grow. Some babies even require tube feedings.
3. Intestinal Stricture: Up to 1 in 3 infants form intestinal strictures. Strictures typically arise a few months after the baby recovers from necrotizing enterocolitis. Strictures considerably narrow the intestinal lumen making it hard for food to pass through. Some babies with strictures may need surgery to enlarge their intestines.
4. Developmental Delays and Growth Failure: Vital long-term complications, like developmental delays, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and total growth failures occur, especially in babies who had surgery. These infants often require constant follow-up care to closely monitor their growth and development.

Manufacturers knowingly failed to warn parents and doctors about the NEC risks and chose to put their marketability and revenues over the health of innocent, defenseless premature babies. NEC lawsuits against Similac baby formula maker Abbott Laboratories and Enfamil producer Mead Johnson Nutrition are seeking monetary compensation for injuries. The damages for surviving infants will be massive because of the continuous future medical expenses involved. Considering that necrotizing enterocolitis can cause babies to sustain permanent injuries that impact them the rest of their lives, the battle-tested attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are demanding as much money as possible for our clients. Parents whose babies suffered from baby formula related injuries are entitled to compensation for all of their infants’ damages, such as:

1. All past and present medical costs resulting from necrotizing enterocolitis;
2. Required future medical expenses and follow-up surgeries as your child gets older;
3. Parents’ lost wages for having to miss work to take care of their infant;
4. Reduced future loss of earning potential for your child;
5. Pain and suffering (caused by the NEC and medical treatments);
6. Loss of enjoyment experienced throughout your child’s life;
7. Permanent digestive issues, chronic stomach problems, and other incapacities suffered;
8. Any brain damage or developmental delays endured;
9. Costs related to retaining a caregiver or nurse; and
10. Expenses associated with attending a special school.

Additionally, if our elite litigators can show that the responsible manufacturer acted with gross negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may also be obtainable. We are passionately devoted to getting your family the best possible result for your child’s necrotizing enterocolitis in Buffalo, New York, throughout New York State, and beyond. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s highly-qualified team offers free lawsuit assessments and consultations. Jed Dietrich, Esq. would be honored to talk to you about your potential claim. Our brilliant legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 716-839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form. The best part is that there is never a fee unless we WIN your case!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!