If Your Baby Was Fed Bottle Formula and Was Sickened or Hospitalized, You May Be Entitled to Significant Compensation

Helping Families Impacted by Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a potentially serious medical condition that can cause the lining of the large intestine to become damaged or inflamed. It is generally seen in premature or underweight newborns, but NEC can develop in any newborn within the first two weeks of being born. The use of cow’s milk in formula production is known to increase the risk of NEC. The infection causes the bowel to become perforated, bacteria can pass into the bloodstream, causing a widespread infection. In serious cases, an infection can develop into sepsis, which can be fatal.

In most cases, babies recover from NEC without the need for invasive medical interventions, like surgeries. However, in more serious cases, NEC can quickly progress from a treatable medical condition to a devastating infection that the baby’s body is unable to fight. This situation can be worsened by knowing that it could have been prevented if the baby formula company had warned consumers of the risks associated with cow’s milk-based formula.

At Cates Law, our skilled legal team understands how traumatizing a diagnosis of NEC is and how overwhelming the prospect of a lawsuit can be. We can assist with every step of the legal process, address all questions and concerns, and ensure you receive all entitled financial compensation.

The Link Between Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Baby Formula

Many health experts believe that babies who are formula fed may be at an increased risk for developing the disease. If a mother is unable to breastfeed, human donor milk is an alternative. According to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and elsewhere, premature babies who are fed human donor milk are less likely to develop NEC compared to newborns who are fed cow-based formula. Other experts suspect that a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the intestine during or immediately after birth could put the baby at an increased risk for NEC.

In order to prevent the disease from progressing, it is crucial that a health care provider recognizes the common symptoms of NEC and provides immediate medical treatment. Some of the common symptoms of NEC include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal discoloration
• Abdominal swelling
• Blood in the stool
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Elevated heart rate
• Fever
• Green vomit that contains bile
• Hypotension
• Lethargy
• Low or unstable body temperature
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting

A lawyer can assist the parents of the newborn who has been diagnosed with NEC after ingesting baby formula. A lawyer will fight to hold the formula manufacturers responsible for the pain they caused, and fight to secure the financial compensation they deserve.

What Damages am I Entitled to in a Baby Formula Lawsuit?

NEC is a treatable condition if it is diagnosed and treated quickly, however, it can quickly become very serious. A severe case of NEC may require surgery to remove the damaged portion of the intestines or bowel, and a procedure that involves draining the abdominal cavity may be needed as well. The costs associated with these procedures can accumulate very quickly. Depending on the severity of the case, the baby may need follow-up surgeries or even long-term care.

The family may be entitled to the following damages if they pursue a NEC claim against the baby formula manufacturers:

• Medical expenses associated with the injury or illness
• Loss of income for the parents
• Pain and suffering
• Expenses associated with long-term care
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Decreased quality of life
• Death benefits

Illinois Baby Formula Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Hold Negligent Parties Accountable for Their Actions

If your child developed NEC as a result of ingesting cow’s milk-based infant formula, it is in your best interest to contact one of our skilled Illinois baby formula lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the details of your case and determine who is responsible. Our experienced legal team will protect your rights and fight to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 618-277-3644. Our offices are located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients throughout St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.