Seeking Justice for Infants and Families
Caregivers of infants who have suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) believe that a lack of legal recourse has left them with little hope for justice. [[3](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/product-liability/baby-formula-lawsuit/) In
July 2023, Abbot Laboratories and Mead Johnson, two companies that make infant formula, are denying claims that their formula causes NEC and other complications, despite more and more families believing otherwise.
But careful examination of the evidence suggests an alarming trend: NEC, which is usually caused by ingesting something that is harmful to the digestive system, is being linked to the consumption of cow’s milk-based formula. To identify the
truth behind this, families and others have taken it upon themselves to understand the facts and stand up for the vulnerable infants affected by NEC.
This article studies the issue of baby formula lawsuits [[2](https://www.sokolovelaw.com/blog/nec-infant-formula-lawsuits-preterm-infants/)] and legal claims for NEC in the context of seeking justice for infants and families. It will explore the evidence to support NEC’s link to formula consumption, the
potential legal avenues for pursuing compensation, as well as issues of ethical and legal liability. Finally, it will discuss some potential solutions to reduce the incidence of NEC for the benefit of infants and their caretakers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Baby Formula Companies Facing NEC Lawsuits
- 2. What is NEC and How Does it Affect Babies?
- 3. Seeking Justice & Compensation for Families
- 4. What Can I Do if My Baby Develops Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
- Q&A
1. Baby Formula Companies Facing NEC Lawsuits
Several baby formula companies have been facing lawsuits for the alleged link in causing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Class action and personal injury suits have been filed since as early as 2009. The suits allege that companies, such as
Similac and Enfamil, failed to warn consumers that their baby formula products had the potential to lead to NEC in infants and newborns, and in some cases resulting in mortality.
NEC is a bacterial infection that leads to inflammation and tissue damage in a baby’s intestines and can, in some cases, cause death. The most common causes and risk factors for NEC are receiving excessive nutrition through formula and not receiving enough nutrients from the mother’s breast milk.
- All of the lawsuits have accused manufacturers of failing to provide the public with adequate warnings regarding NEC and the link to baby formula.
- The manufacturers are further accused of not warning healthcare providers of the risk that NEC presents to premature babies.
These allegations are further supported by [[1](https://www.hpcbd.com/toxic-baby-formula/)] and [[2](https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/nec-baby-formula-lawsuits.html)], which indicate that the formula companies should have taken reasonable precautions to protect the public. [[3]
(https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/lawsuits-filed-against-abbott-nutrition-for-alleged-death-and-illnesses-linked-to-infant-formula.html)] further supports the claims arguing that the company’s products may have caused NEC, which led to fatalities amongst infants and newborns.
2. What is NEC and How Does it Affect Babies?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal illness that primarily affects premature babies. [[1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5227976/)] It is a severe form of intestinal inflammation and infection that affects the infants’ lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Risk Factors: The exact cause of NEC is still not clear, however, risk factors for developing it include premature birth, very low birth weight, inadequate nutrition, bacterial infection, and general health care practices. [[2](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/necrotizing-enterocolitis)]
- Symptoms: Symptoms of NEC include extreme stomach pain, a swollen belly (abdominal distention), feeding intolerance, bloody stools, vomiting, temperature fluctuations, and a general state of being unwell. [[3](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nec.html)]
Once suspected, NEC is diagnosed by assessing the signs and symptoms of the illness as well as medical imaging tests like X-rays and ultrasounds. Left untreated, NEC can cause substantial damage to the baby’s intestines resulting in the formation of fistulas and perforations, leading to sepsis or death. [[1]
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5227976/)] Treatment depends on the severity and includes administering antibiotics, fluids, and nutritional support. Surgery may be required in more severe cases.
3. Seeking Justice & Compensation for Families
The Family Rights System
In the wake of a tragedy, families require access to justice and fair compensation. A fair system of family rights is needed to ensure that these victims’ families are given the support and tools they need to heal. In order to receive justice and compensation in the wake of tragedy, the following must be considered:
- Families should be able make legal claims: This process can range from appeals to habeas corpus petitions, depending on the circumstances. The goal is to make sure that justice is served and that casualties’ families receive a fair amount of compensation for their loss.
- The ability to file insurance claims: Insurance companies often offer financial assistance to those affected by tragedy. Families should be able to make claims for any losses incurred without having to face any undue financial burden.
- Access to public funds: There are often public funds set aside to ensure that those affected by tragedy are compensated in times of need. The ability to access these funds ensures that families can receive tSeeking Justice for Infants and Familieshe support they need in the aftermath of a tragedy.
- Communication and resources from authorities: The families of victims of tragedy should be able to access important information and resources from governmentSeeking Justice for Infants and Families and other law enforcement agencies. This ensures that they are able to get the information they need to make an informed decision about their legal recourse.
The goal of the family rights system is to ensure that victims and their families can access justice and fair compensation following a tragedy. A fair system of family rights should provide access to legal services, insurance claims, public funds, and
resources from authorities. This system is essentSeeking Justice for Infants and Familiesial for ensuring that those who are affected by tragedy are not forgotten and are given the support they need to heal and move forward.
4. What Can I Do if My Baby Develops Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
- Seek Care Immediately: If your baby shows any of the symptoms of NEC, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. There are treatments available that can prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Testing: The doctor may run various tests to diagnose NEC. These may include blood tests, a physical examination, x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, and CT scan.
Treatment: Once NEC is diagnosed, your baby may be treated with: antibiotics, fluids, nutrition, and oxygen as needed. Other treatment options may include surgery to remove the damaged sections of the intestine [[3] Seeking Justice for Infants and Families(https://www.chla.org/necrotizing-enterocolitis)]. Long term, infants with NEC will
need extra monitoring for their digestive health as they may need more nutrients than other infants [[1](https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=necrotizing-enterocolitis-90-P02388)].
Prevention: Mothers are encouraged to find ways to improve their body’s “good” bacteria and reduce the risk of babies developing NEC. These methods may involve steps like breast feeding, Probiotics, or avoiding antibiotics in the birth process.[[2](https://elifesciences.org/articles/05477)]. Additionally, the doctor will need to closely monitor a baby’s nutrition if they’re at risk of NEC.
Q&A Seeking Justice for Infants and Families
Q. What is NEC baby formula?
A. NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) baby formula is a type of infant formula that has been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal disease, including NEC, in preterm and low birth weight infants. [[1](https://langerandlanger.com/blog/baby-formula-lawsuits/)]
Q. Who is responsible for NEC baby formula?
A. NEC baby formula is usually manufactured by Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson. As of July 2023, both companies deny that their formula causes NEC or other complications. However, multiple lawsuits have been filed against these companies alleging that their products cause NEC. [[2] Seeking Justice for Infants and Families(https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/product-liability/baby-formula-lawsuit/)]
Q. What kind of legal help is available for families affected by NEC baby formula?
A. If your child has suffered from NEC and you believe that baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories or Mead Johnson could be responsible, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. [[3](https://www.babyformulalawyers.com/)]
Seeking experienced legal representation is important if you are considering filing a nec baby formula lawsuit. Many personal injury lawyers, such as Langer & Langer of Indiana, are experienced in cases involving NEC baby formula. [[1](https://langerandlanger.com/blog/baby-formula-lawsuits/)]
We hope this article has been illuminating and a source of solace for those who have gone through the harrowing experience of having a premature baby diagnosed with NEC. Obviously legal agreements make money, but at the end of
the day, the parents’ anguish, and their little one’s suffering, are undeniable. The companies responsible for producing these products should be held accountable for their actions, and we hope that this article helps in seeking justice for these
precious infants and their families. [[1](https://levinlaw.com/baby-formula-lawsuit)][[2](https://www.drugwatch.com/baby-formula/lawsuits/)][[3](https://hlalawfirm.com/houston-baby-formula-nec-lawsuit/)] Seeking Justice for Infants and Families
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