Group B Strep Compensation Claims
Some babies are susceptible to infection by group B streptococcus at birth, which may lead to sepsis or meningitis. If a baby dies or suffers from permanent disabilities as a result of a group B strep infection, which could have been avoided if it wasn’t for medical negligence, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The birth injury team at JMW regularly helps parents and families make group B strep compensation claims. We know that the legal process can seem daunting, but making a claim can provide financial assistance to help you and your family and ensure that no-one else has to go through what you’ve been through.
To speak to a solicitor about your case on a no-obligation basis, get in touch by calling us on 0345 872 6666, or by completing our contact form and we will get back to you. Our solicitors are able to take on cases on a no win, no fee basis.
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What Our Clients Say
Meet Our Team of Medical Negligence Experts
The medical negligence solicitors at JMW are among the most respected in the UK thanks to their professional and proactive approach.
How JMW Can Help
Our solicitors are experts in antenatal injuries such as group B strep and have helped many families secure compensation to help ensure the best possible quality of life for your child. Compensation can pay for therapy, adaptations to the home, disability aids and loss of earnings.
We will work closely with you throughout the claims process, handling your claim sympathetically and with the utmost sensitivity. Our solicitors have many years of experience of claims against the NHS and private healthcare providers for medical negligence
Members of our team are on specialist solicitor panels for Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society, meaning you can rest assured your claim is being handled by experienced and well-respected medical negligence solicitors.
Zac’s Story: How JMW Helped His Family Seek Justice
When baby Zac developed breathing difficulties shortly after birth, his parents’ concerns were downplayed. By the time the seriousness of the situation was recognised, Zac had developed a fatal group B strep infection, which could have been treated if addressed earlier.
With support from JMW’s Nicola Wainwright, Zac’s parents Tim and Hannah were able to have these errors recognised by a coroner’s investigation, and are now sharing their experiences to help raise awareness and push for change.
Read the full video transcript and learn more about Zac’s story.
Making a Group B Strep Claim
Measures can be taken to prevent group B strep infections and treatment provided promotes a full recovery for the baby. However, late diagnosis or substandard medical care can increase the risk of complications. If your child has suffered due to medical negligence, we can help you to make a claim for compensation.
The claims process involves collecting all relevant medical records for the mother and baby, which are given to an independent expert to review. The review will decide whether the treatment received from medical professionals fell below a reasonable standard and caused the infection
If negligent treatment caused your baby’s infection, those responsible will be given the chance to admit or deny the allegations. If they deny the allegations, your claim may have to be issued to the courts; however, we will do everything we can to reach a financial settlement before any trial needs to take place.
Bringing a Group B strep claim can be a lengthy process, and the time it takes usually depends upon whether the defendant contests the claim or not.
FAQs
- What is group B streptococcus?
Group B streptococcus is a bacterial infection that may affect babies whose mother has been affected or is carrying the bacteria. Typically, group B strep bacteria presents itself in the mother’s lower intestine or vagina without presenting any symptoms
If the baby is exposed to micro-organisms, the bacteria may pass to the infant during delivery. Exposure may also occur if bacteria passes up the mother’s vagina into the uterus when her water breaks.
If administered promptly, treatment for early-onset group B strep will usually facilitate a full recovery; however, if the infection goes undiagnosed, severe complications may ensue. Infected babies may be left suffering from cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness and/or serious learning difficulties.
- What are the symptoms of group B streptococcus?
If an infection was not identified during pregnancy, it should be detected within 12 hours of birth. Babies with group B strep usually present with the following symptoms:
- Sleepiness
- Floppiness
- Grunting
- Not feeding well
- A high or low temperature
- An abnormally fast or slow heart or breathing rate
- Irritability
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
Talk To Us
If your child has been infected by group B strep and suffered due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment, our solicitors are here to help. Call us on 0345 872 6666, or complete a claim form and we will be in touch to discuss your case and whether we can work with you on a no win, no fee basis.
