Hiring a lawyer is the first step towards recovering a better quality of life. At Osborne & Francis, we devote our undivided attention to each client, and all communications are held in the strictest privacy. Contact us by filling out the form or calling us directly at (561) 293-2600.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn babies is a dangerous, painful condition for your child. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal issue that predominantly affects premature babies, and it could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
The team at Osborne & Francis have put together the following information on the symptoms NEC newborns present, and what the treatment should entail. We’ll also detail how a lawyer can help you access support funds, and possibly save other infants from experiencing this condition.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is an inflammation of the small and/or large intestine that causes crucial portions of the digestive tract to die. If a hole forms in the intestinal wall, gut bacteria can leak into the abdomen or bloodstream, causing infection. NEC most often occurs in premature babies (born before 37 weeks gestation), and develops between 2-6 weeks after birth.
Data shows that NEC affects 5-12% of very-low-birth-weight infants, and 20-40% of the time leads to surgery. NEC is fatal in 25-50% of cases. For children who survive, they will likely have lifelong digestive issues and complications.
Unfortunately, doctors cannot pinpoint an exact cause of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, studies indicate that fortified and cow’s milk-based infant formulas lead to a higher incidence of NEC in preterm infants than does mother’s milk. Roughly 80% of baby formulas are cow’s milk-based. That includes formula brands that were specifically designed for premature infants, like Similac and Enfamil.
Potential contributors to the development of NEC include:
While NEC cannot spread from infant to infant, sometimes NEC “clusters” occur in nurseries, meaning several infants are experiencing the condition at the same time. This is because approximately 1 in 1,000 premature babies develop NEC, as opposed to 1 in 10,000 full-term babies.
Birth injuries and the dangers associated with the early weeks of life must be guarded against. Monitoring for the signs of necrotizing enterocolitis is part of that care for premature infants. Symptoms of NEC or other intestinal issues in infants can show via symptoms like:
To diagnose the child, doctors may run blood or fecal tests, as well as take an X-ray image of the infant’s bowel area. Treatment may involve antibiotics (to prevent sepsis), use of a nasogastric tube to remove gas or fluids from the child’s stomach, or surgery to remove damaged tissue and repair the hole (perforation) in the intestinal wall.
We at Osborne & Francis want you to understand that your doctors and nurses are not at fault for feeding your child Enfamil, Similac, or other baby formulas designed for premature infants. The issue is with the manufacturers of these defective products, who failed to properly label their formulas and warn of potential harm.
Premature infants are often monitored closely for known problems that affect them in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). This includes a "NEC watch" to make sure the condition doesn’t have time to progress before treatment begins. However, if medical staff failed to diagnose and provide timely treatment for your child, that may be a case of medical malpractice.
If you have questions about your child’s situation, call the offices of Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 for a free, professional evaluation.
Your choice to begin a legal action could help save the lives of future infants.
You have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of potentially harmful formulas. Those who produce an unsafe product for a hospital’s most vulnerable patients - premature babies - need to be held accountable.A settlement or damages award could include financial support for:
Your choice to begin a legal action by contacting Osborne & Francis can help your family directly, and may also help change the practices of formula manufacturers. A change in the industry could help save the lives of future babies.
It is vital that babies born prematurely are provided with the utmost care and support. With proper treatment and nutrition, premature infants can grow up as healthy and strong as full-term children. Formulas that increases the risk of a devastating and potentially fatal intestinal disorder like necrotizing enterocolitis is unacceptable. Pursuing a legal case can help make that clear.
Your priority is the health of your child and family. It’s a lawyer’s job to file and follow through on a legal action. Call Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can take on the work to seek the support you deserve.
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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
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Hiring a lawyer is the first step towards recovering a better quality of life. At Osborne & Francis, we devote our undivided attention to each client, and all communications are held in the strictest privacy. Contact us by filling out the form or calling us directly at (561) 621-1385.
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