Group B Strep Negligence Awareness Month
July 2, 2021
July is Group B Strep Awareness Month, an annual campaign to highlight the importance of group B Strep awareness, education, and research. The campaign is run by Group B Strep Support, and during the month they aim to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds for Group B Strep education and prevention. This month is also about Group B Strep negligence awareness, which is common in birth and pregnancy negligence claims.
Group B Strep Negligence Awareness
Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep or GBS) is a common bacterial infection that can affect both adults and new-born babies. Normally, medical professionals deem the condition to be harmless for healthy adults. However, for new-borns, it can cause Group B Strep disease which is far more serious.
Tragically, many families first hear about group B Strep after their baby is seriously ill with GBS meningitis, sepsis, or pneumonia. If a pregnant mother does not receive testing for GBS in the final trimester, it can unknowingly move on to the child. It is imperative that early diagnosis occurs to treat the condition so that the baby can make a healthy recovery.
Substandard care or treatment can lead to further complications. Moreover, they can increase the risk of Group B Strep causing long term life-changing effects and personal injury issues.
How Group B streptococcus (GBS) negligence occurs
No one is perfect and this includes medical professionals. However, there is a certain level of care that you and your baby should receive in the first place. Particularly if there is any indication you carry Group B Strep or your baby displays signs of early-onset GBS disease. If you carry strep then you should be offered antibiotics during your pregnancy and birth to reduce the risk of your baby getting the infection.
If a medical professional fails to spot symptoms in your child that leads to long term effects then you may be able to claim for Strep B negligence.
Claiming on Behalf of a Child
Unfortunately, with Strep B negligence claims, it may be the case that it has affected your child. If this is the case, then you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. If a child suffers medical negligence, then a parent or guardian may be able to make the claim on their behalf. Any compensation awarded is then held in a trust until the child turns 18.
The time limit on making medical negligence claims is also different if claiming on behalf of a child. Ordinarily with medical negligence claims, there is a three-year time limit to making claims. This can be three years from when the negligence occurred, or three years from the date that you were aware that it happened. This is different when claiming on behalf of a child. In these cases, a parent or guardian has until the child turns 18 to make a claim. The child then has three further years to make the claim; until they turn 21.
How We Can Help
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with medical negligence claims. This includes Group B Strep negligence awareness. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.