Group B Strep Claims

What is Group B Streptococcus?

Group B Streptococcus, also known as Group B Strep or GBS, is a type of bacteria that is found in the vagina and rectum regions of up to four in every ten women, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.

Although the bacteria aren’t harmful to you, they can be harmful to your baby during birth. GBS can cause serious infections in newborn babies.

There are two types of GBS infection:

• Early-onset GBS infection

This happens less than seven days after the birth of your child, with the first symptoms occurring 12 hours after the birth.

• Late-onset GBS infection

Late-onset GBS infection usually occurs a week or more after the birth and isn’t usually associated with pregnancy. Your child has usually become infected after birth, possibly from somebody else.

The symptoms of both types of GBS infection include:

• Fast or slow heart rate and breathing rate
• High or low temperature
• Loss of appetite
• Your child being floppy and unresponsive

The infection can turn into sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis if untreated. This can cause many lifelong disabilities for the child, such as cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, brain injuries, learning difficulties, or even death.

How can Group B Streptococcus be prevented?

Women who do test positive for GBS are usually given a course of antibiotics before the birth of their child to prevent the baby from being infected.

Unfortunately, however, testing for GBS is not routinely offered within the UK. This can leave it undetected within the mother.

What does this mean for my baby?

GBS can be treated by a course of intravenous antibiotics. But if it is not treated soon after birth, it can cause dangerous implications for your baby.

Things to look out for that could result in a higher chance of GBS infection are:

• A high temperature during pregnancy
• If your baby is born before 37 weeks
• Your previous children were born with a GBS infection
• Your waters have broken more than 24hrs before the birth

Why make a Group B Strep claim?

If GBS has gone undiagnosed and untreated, this could be considered gynaecological negligence and could lead to lifelong suffering for your child.

And if you’ve suffered from negligence, you could be able to make a compensation claim against the NHS or the private provider who delivered your baby.

Claiming compensation can help you with the financial pressures of any additional needs your child has.

Making a claim could also help stop future cases from happening by raising awareness of the issue of Group B Strep.

Making a medical negligence claim could also help others in feeling confident enough to come forward with their GBS claim too.

To start your claim, all you need to do is get in touch with the team at First4Lawyers. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

How much compensation will I receive for a GBS claim?

The exact amount of compensation you could receive depends on how severely your child has been affected.

For example, serious brain damage claims could be awarded up to £493,000 in compensation.

Our specialist solicitors can advise you on how much you are likely to receive once you’ve had your free consultation with them. You can also visit our compensation calculator for an idea of how much you could be entitled to.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

It is usually recommended you begin your claim within three years after suffering from medical negligence.

If you’re acting on behalf of your child, then you have until their 18^th birthday to start a claim.

Once your child turns 18, they can begin their claim for medical negligence up to three years after their birthday.

But if your child lacks the mental capacity to begin a claim for themselves, then there is no time limit.

How will I pay for my claim?

We offer a No Win No Fee service, so you don’t have to pay for anything if your claim is unsuccessful.

If your claim is successful, then your solicitor’s legal costs will be taken out of your final compensation amount at the end.

This means you don’t have to worry about paying for your claim upfront.

How can First4Lawyers help with my GBS claim?

First4Lawyers can match you with a specialist medical negligence solicitor, who will work to get you compensation for your family’s suffering.

I think I have a claim - what do I do next?

Get in touch with one of our expert advisors at First4Lawyers. If we think you have a claim, we will put you in touch with one of our specialist solicitors.

You can request a callback or start your claim online – whatever is easiest for you.

Group B Strep Support:

• Group B Strep Support
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 
• Tommy’s