Denver Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)/Intestinal Inflammation Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Medical Malpractice Lawyers Help NEC Victims in Denver
Doctors and all healthcare professionals are required to follow standard procedures to monitor babies who suffer from Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and provide them with the correct medical treatment. If your child is suffering from complications of NEC, their condition may have been impacted by inadequate medical treatment.
If you believe that your child may have been injured by medical malpractice, contact the experienced trial attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. We've been helping victims of medical malpractice in Denver for over 40 years. Our firm has won millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Firm partner Jim Puga won a record-breaking $17.9 million medical malpractice verdict.
Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has been recognized for providing our clients with outstanding service by Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers, a rating agency that uses peer recommendations to determine which attorneys have attained the highest degree of professional achievement.
There's no charge for your initial consultation – call our Denver birth injury lawyers at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. The condition is characterized by the inflammation and death of intestinal tissue, known as necrosis. Necrosis occurs when blood flow to the intestinal tissues is reduced or obstructed, leading to cell death. This tissue death may cause a perforation in the intestine, allowing bacteria to leak into the abdomen and bloodstream, causing severe infections. NEC may be to an underdeveloped immune system and gastrointestinal tract in premature babies. Early identification and intervention are vital to manage NEC effectively and reduce the impact of its potentially life-threatening complications.
NEC most commonly affects premature infants born before 32 weeks of gestation, with the highest risk period occurring within the first two to three weeks of life. Infants who receive formula feeding may be at a higher risk compared to those who are breastfed. Early detection within this critical timeframe is essential, as prompt medical intervention can significantly improve the prognosis and reduce the risk of severe complications.
Understanding Common Symptoms of NEC
Initial signs of NEC often include feeding intolerance, where the infant is unable to digest milk and exhibits vomiting or large residuals in the stomach. Abdominal distension is another common early symptom characterized by a visibly swollen and tender abdomen. Lethargy, or an unusual lack of energy and responsiveness, can also be an early warning sign.
As NEC progresses, the symptoms become more severe and easier to identify. One of the critical symptoms is the presence of blood in the stool, which indicates intestinal injury. Rapid breathing and an increased heart rate may accompany the condition as the body attempts to cope with systemic infection and inflammation.
Low blood pressure can occur due to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to shock. Shock is characterized by poor blood flow to vital organs and can be fatal if not promptly treated. These advanced symptoms require immediate medical attention and often necessitate intensive care interventions, including antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and sometimes surgical procedures to remove necrotic sections of the intestine.
Several risk factors for NEC have been identified. Premature birth is the most significant risk factor, as underdeveloped intestines and immune systems in premature infants make them more susceptible to the condition. Bacterial infections in the gut may be associated with NEC, as harmful bacteria can invade and damage the intestinal wall. Other contributing factors include compromised blood flow to the intestines and a history of birth complications that might affect the infant's overall health.
Link Between NEC and Medical Malpractice
Medical negligence can significantly contribute to the development and severity of NEC in infants. This may include delayed diagnosis, improper feeding practices, and inadequate monitoring of at-risk infants, particularly those born prematurely.
In some cases, medical staff may fail to follow established protocols for preventing NEC, such as ensuring that infants receive breast milk or fortifiers when needed. The standard of care in managing and preventing NEC is critical in ensuring the health and safety of premature infants. Medical professionals are expected to follow established guidelines and protocols, which include timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and vigilant monitoring of at-risk infants.
Proving medical malpractice in cases of NEC involves demonstrating that healthcare providers failed to meet the accepted standard of care, directly causing harm to the infant. This process typically requires the knowledge of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts who can testify about the expected standards and how they were breached. Key evidence may include medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
How Your Denver NEC Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit for NEC-related cases involves important steps. When you consult with an experienced birth injury medical malpractice lawyer, they will review your situation and advise you on the best strategy for moving forward with your case. Further, an attorney will often consult medical experts to determine if there was a deviation from the standard of care.
Once a case is established, a formal complaint is filed in court, outlining the allegations and supporting evidence. In Colorado, the plaintiff must file a certificate of review stating that they have consulted a medical expert who has concluded that the lawsuit "does not lack substantial justification."
The discovery phase follows as both parties exchange information and gather further evidence. Expert witnesses may provide testimonies to reinforce the claims. The case may be settled out of court or proceed to trial for a final verdict.
Speak with One of Our Denver Birth Injury Lawyers Today
If you have any concerns about the medical treatment your child has received, contact Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. We can review your medical records at no cost.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our Denver medical malpractice attorneys today — give us a call at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906. When we take on a case, you won't owe us anything unless we win.
