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Unfortunately babies may be susceptible to infection by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) at birth, which may lead to sepsis and meningitis (a virulent illness affecting the fluid of the spinal cord and fluid surrounding the brain). If a baby dies or suffers from permanent disabilities as a result of a GBS infection, which could have been prevented by healthcare staff, then it may be possible to make a claim for birth injury compensation.
GBS infection in newborns
Group B Streptococcus is a bacterial infection which may affect babies delivered to mothers who have been infected or are carrying the bacteria. Typically, GBS bacteria may be present in the lower intestine and / or the vagina of the mother without presenting any symptoms.
The bacteria may pass to the infant during delivery if the baby is exposed to the micro-organisms. Exposure may occur if bacteria pass up the mother's vagina into the uterus after her water breaks (when the membrane surrounding the foetus ruptures).
Also, GBS exposure can occur as the baby travels down the birth canal.
These types of infection are known as early-onset GBS and it is estimated that around one in 2,000 babies born annually in the UK and Ireland succumbs to the illness. In the UK it is estimated 340 babies a year will develop early-onset GBS.
Treatment for early-onset GBS, if administered promptly, will usually facilitate the full recovery of the infant, however, if the infection goes undiagnosed severe complications may ensue.
One-in-ten babies may die from the infection and one-in-five will be left permanently affected by early-onset GBS. Infected babies may be left suffering from cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness and / or serious learning difficulties.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has produced a report entitled The Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease in UK Obstetric Units which provides guidance for healthcare teams to prevent GBS infection.
It states that "clinicians should discuss the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in the presence of known risk factors including incidental carriage. Risk factors include:
The argument for prophylaxis becomes stronger in the presence of two or more risk factors."
Claiming 100% compensation for early-onset Group B Streptococcus infection
If you feel that either you or your baby has been affected by early-onset GBS which was not treated adequately by the healthcare workers charged with your welfare, then it may be possible for you to claim birth injury compensation with YouClaim.
All our medical negligence solicitors are bound by the strictures of the Solicitors Regulation Authority so you can be assured of their utmost professionalism, yet sensitivity to the issues surrounding birth injury claims.
Whilst we cannot offer a completely cost-free service for this type of claim we do promise to discuss all probable charges with you prior to commencement of the claim and in a won case we always endeavour to reimburse you.
If you wish to discuss the possibility of making a birth injury compensation claim, please call our team of knowledgeable yet sensitive advisors on 0800 10 757 95, or you could have a real-time echat over the internet. Alternatively fill in one of our online claim forms and we will call you back at a time to suit you.
