New Mexico NEC Lawyer

Experienced NEC Attorney in New Mexico

If your newborn develops necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), you may wonder how it happened and if there was anything that could have been done to prevent it. A New Mexico NEC lawyer can help you assess if negligent medical care played a role in your child’s injuries.

NEC cases often involve complex medical evidence and can have long-term consequences for children and their families. Knowing your rights can empower you to make informed decisions about pursuing compensation and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.

Hire an NEC Lawyer

At Branch Law Firm, we have dedicated the last five decades to advocating for families whose lives have been impacted by serious medical negligence. Since 1966, we have worked on complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases, and we have developed the skills to prepare your case thoroughly and provide personal attention to your legal needs.

We recognize that every family’s needs and questions are different, which is why we take the time to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and advocate for the financial recovery and justice you may be entitled to pursue.

Risk Factors Associated With Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Certain factors can put a newborn at higher risk for NEC, such as premature birth, very low birth weight, immature intestines, oxygen-related complications, and certain feeding issues. The Cleveland Clinic notes that nearly nine in 10 babies who develop NEC are born prematurely. NEC occurs in about one in 1,000 premature infants. The existence of these risk factors, however, does not necessarily mean that a healthcare provider was negligent.

In most cases, a malpractice claim will turn on whether providers identified that the infant was at risk, acted appropriately when warning signs arose, and adhered to the accepted standard of care. Distinguishing between preventable medical errors and other causes of injury can help families understand whether a malpractice claim may be an option.

Who May Be Liable for an NEC Birth Injury?

Determining liability in an NEC medical malpractice case is based upon the specific facts of each infant’s care. In some cases, physicians, neonatologists, nurses, hospitals, or other healthcare providers can be held liable if they fail to provide the appropriate standard of care. Liability is typically determined by a thorough review of medical records, as well as consultations with qualified medical professionals.

Many New Mexico medical malpractice claims may be affected by the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act, including N.M. Stat. § 41-5-13, which provides a three-year statute of limitations in many medical malpractice actions. Identifying all possible responsible parties is an important early step in the claims process.

What Families Should Do if They Suspect Medical Negligence

Families that suspect medical negligence after an NEC diagnosis should begin preserving information as soon as possible. Medical records, discharge papers, imaging reports, laboratory results, medication lists, feeding records, and written notes about conversations with providers may all be important. It is also important for parents to keep records of follow-up appointments, expenses, travel, missed work, and changes in the child’s condition.

Generally, it is a good idea to avoid discussing a claim publicly or signing legal documents without advice. An initial conversation with a New Mexico medical malpractice attorney can help families determine whether the care provided should be reviewed and what steps may be needed to protect a potential claim.

FAQs

Do All Babies With NEC Require Surgery?

Not all infants with necrotizing enterocolitis will need surgery. Some respond to non-operative treatment like bowel rest, intravenous feeding, antibiotics, and close monitoring. Surgery may be needed to remove a perforated or severely diseased portion of the bowel. Treatment varies according to the infant’s condition, the disease’s severity, and the timing of diagnosis and management.

Where Are New Mexico Infants With Severe NEC Typically Treated?

Babies with the most severe necrotizing enterocolitis need the neonatal intensive care that certain pediatric hospitals offer, and sometimes pediatric surgery. In New Mexico, care is available at the University of New Mexico Hospital and others with neonatal intensive care capabilities. The hospital where the child received care does not determine by itself whether malpractice occurred, but it can affect the records, parties, and legal issues involved.

What Is the Survival Rate for Babies With Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis can be life-threatening, but many infants can survive the condition, especially when it is diagnosed early and treated quickly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated eight in 10 babies who are diagnosed with NEC are able to survive. Children can also have long-term medical problems and may require ongoing medical care. The outlook often depends on the extent of the disease and how quickly the baby gets treatment.

What Should I Bring to an Initial Consultation About an NEC Claim?

The more information you can bring with you to an initial consultation, the better an attorney can assess a potential NEC medical malpractice claim. Useful information may include hospital discharge paperwork, insurance information, photographs, billing statements, and a timeline of your infant’s treatment and symptoms.

While you may not have access to every record, an attorney can often obtain the additional documentation necessary to review the events surrounding your child’s treatment.

What Professionals Are Typically Involved in an NEC Medical Malpractice Case?

NEC medical malpractice claims often involve testimony from qualified medical professionals who are able to assess the care the infant received. The professionals might be neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, or other professionals familiar with the care of newborns. Professional opinions may assist in determining whether the providers departed from the accepted standard of care and, if so, whether the departure caused the child’s injuries.

Contact a New Mexico NEC Lawyer

If your child experiences complications of necrotizing enterocolitis, you deserve answers and an attorney you can trust. It can take an investigation and a review of the facts to determine if negligent medical treatment caused your child’s injury. It is important to act promptly to protect your legal standing and pursue accountability for the injuries your child experienced that could have been prevented.

At Branch Law Firm, we know what it takes to help a family after a serious birth injury. We are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process, step by step. Schedule a consultation today to hire an NEC lawyer.