As it is Strep B Awareness Month, we take a look at making a Strep B compensation claim.
Strep B is a type of bacteria that can live in the rectum, intestines, or vagina and is present in up to 40% of women in the UK. Although Strep B is not usually harmful, it can be spread through physical contact. This means it can be particularly dangerous when it is present in pregnant women, as it can be passed to a baby, and this could cause the baby to suffer from infections such as, sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis.
Testing for Group B Strep
Unfortunately testing for Group B Strep (GBS) is not routinely carried out by the NHS, meaning pregnant women are usually not made aware of it. Most cases are detected following a swab or urine test which has been done for a different reason. Campaigners say it is important that more women know about Group Strep B so they can get themselves tested.
GBS symptoms
If you are aware that you are a carrier of GBS, it is important to make sure that you make this known to those treating you and receive antibiotics when in labour, as this will help to minimize the risk of your baby contracting the disease. Newborns usually suffer with the following symptoms if they have contracted Group Strep B;
- A high or low temperature.
- Very fast or low breathing.
- Being floppy, or not responding normally.
- Issues with breathing, such as grunting or working extra hard.
- Changes in their skin colour.
- Not feeding well or vomiting milk.
Making a Group Strep B compensation claim
Women should be offered antibiotics during labour if they have tested positive for GBS, or if they have had another child that has suffered from infection after birth. In some cases, antibiotics have not been provided in situations where they should have been, and this has caused babies to suffer infection. If this has happened to you, then you may be eligible to pursue a medical negligence case.
To find out where you stand, please call our free helpline on 0333 888 0412 or email details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]. We will investigate your case free of charge and provide details of No Win, No Fee funding.
What our clients say about us
We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:
Maddy Lawrence
“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”
Great firm!
“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”
Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far
”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Mesh claim
“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”
Thank you
“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”
Exceptional Service
“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.
“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”
Excellent solicitor
“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”