What is group B streptococcus (GBS)?
Group B streptococcus is a common type of bacteria which many people have and don't even know about. The bacteria is usually found in a person's bottom or vagina so can easily be passed to another through sexual contact. The strep b bacteria can also be passed to another through close contact, such as when people hold hands or kiss.
In healthy adults, group B streptococcus does not usually cause harm and is not reflective of bad hygiene or another health problem. However, for some people, this bacteria can, unfortunately, cause a lot of harm.
Who is at risk of contracting group B streptococcus?
Who is at risk of contracting group B streptococcus?
Pregnant women and young babies are at particular risk of contracting group B streptococcus. This is due to mistakes that occur when they are cared for by medical professionals. These can result in the baby coming in contact with the bacteria which cause strep b. A pregnant woman can pass strep b to her baby.
What are the health implications of GBS infections in adults?
What are the health implications of GBS infections in adults?
If you are a healthy adult there are usually no health implications of GBS infections.
Symptoms of a group B strep infection in adults can, however, include:
- sepsis
- skin or soft tissue infections
- pneumonia
- urinary tract infections.
However, a group b strep infection may be problematic for pregnant adults, as it can pass to their baby and cause harm. It can also cause a miscarriage. Therefore, medical professionals should carefully look after pregnant women with group B strep infection to stop it from passing to their babies.
What are the health implications of GBS infections in newborn babies?
Strep B is a common cause of infections in newborn babies. It affects around 66 babies each month in the UK and Ireland. Symptoms of the infection include:
- struggling to breath
- crying which you cannot comfort
- poor feeding
- changes to their skin colour
It has increasingly serious health implications for newborn babies and can cause serious disabilities. Strep B can even cause them to sadly die. Some of the conditions it can cause are:
- sepsis
- meningitis
- loss of hearing
- loss of vision
- lung infection which is pneumonia
- cerebral palsy
However, if the right treatment for strep B is given to a baby, they should fully recover.
Where might a person contract a group b strep infection?
A person may contract a group B strep infection from close contact with another, A baby may contract it from their mother during pregnancy or labour, particularly where medical professionals are negligent. The risk of infection for a baby increases when:
- the baby is born early
- a mother has previously had a baby with the infection
- a pregnant woman's waters break over 18 hours before the birth of their baby
Can contracting group B strep be seen as medical negligence?
When someone contracts group B strep it could be considered medical negligence. Medical negligence can mean a person is exposed to bacteria when they should not have been. It could also mean that any infection a person had got worse.
Medical negligence can occur, for example, when:
- procedures were not followed correctly
- symptoms were not spotted
- symptoms were not managed correctly
- a patient received delayed care
- the care given was not up to standard
Am I able to make a strep B compensation claim?
Strep B complications can often be avoided so when you suffer due to contracting strep B you may be able to make a compensation claim. For example, if you had strep B during pregnancy, during labour the hospital should have provided you with antibiotics. There are many symptoms in labour which are warning signs you need this such as a fever of 38 degrees or more.
Frequently asked questions...
Quite simply, yes. If you're thinking of making a claim on behalf of a friend or loved one, then it's likely we can help you.
To find out more information please visit our claiming on behalf of someone else page.
Yes, your GP has a duty of care to you. If they've failed to uphold this and you have been affected as a result, we can help you make it right. Read more about claiming for GP negligence here.
Yes - if you've suffered from medical negligence while using the NHS in the last three years, then we may be able to help you make a compensation claim. Our medical negligence solicitors are experienced at handling medical negligence NHS claims and can take you through the process step by step, keeping things as simple and stress-free as possible.
Contact us first to share your experience and we'll check your grounds to make a medical negligence compensation claim. If you want to proceed, we'll then connect you with one of our specialist solicitors.
Around 95% of our cases are settled without the need to go to court. This means there is a very small chance a claim will require a court hearing.
If your case does go to court, your solicitor will be on hand to support and guide you through the process and will make sure you always know what to expect.
How much compensation might I receive?
If you plan to make a group B strep negligence compensation claim, you may want to get an idea of how much you can claim. Like all personal injury claims, the compensation amount you might receive depends on different factors. These can include:
- how strep B affects yours or your baby's overall health
- any financial loss as a result of contracting strep B
- any anticipated future financial loss due to the strep B
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How could strep compensation help me and my family?
A strep compensation claim could help you and your family in several ways. Not only can it mean a financial settlement to aid the effects of contracting strep B, but it also can:
- allow you to find out what went wrong and why
- stop the same mistakes occurring to other people
- provide you with the therapists and care needed for your child
What evidence do I need to support my GBS negligence claim?
All medical negligence claims require evidence. This also applies to group B strep medical negligence compensation claims. For example, you may need:
- records of the expenses you have incurred as a result of someone contracting strep B
- your medical records
- your baby's medical records
Can I claim on a no-win no fee basis?
If you do contract group b strep as a result of medical negligence and are able to move forwards with making a compensation claim, you could make a claim on a no win no fee basis with National Accident Helpline.
A no-win-no-fee medical negligence compensation claim means that you risk nothing to make the claim. This is because you do not pay anything out at the start of your claim. Therefore, if your claim is not successful, you lose nothing.
Meet the team
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director of National Accident Law
With extensive personal injury legal and senior management experience, John oversees the optimisation of the customer journey - from the start of a claim through to final settlement.
View profileMeet the teamHow long do I have to start a strep B compensation claim?
If you want to start a strep B compensation claim, as with any other personal injury claim, you should start it within three years of contracting the strep B infection, or within three years of the date that you first knew about your strep B infection.
How long might the claim take to settle?
A group B strep negligence compensation claim can take some time to settle. This is particularly the case where a young baby is involved as it will take time to work out the care needed. However, an interim payment can be offered if negligence is admitted.
How can National Accident Helpline support my group b strep compensation claim?
We may be able to support you with your group B strep compensation claim. We understand the effect medical negligence can have on your quality of life so want to help you with the compensation you fully deserve. If you're able to pursue a claim, our highly competent medical negligence solicitors will ensure they provide you with their expertise to get you the maximum compensation due.
Let National Accident Helpline help you today. Call or if it is more convenient, you can request a call back here. Alternatively, you can begin your claim online here.
How do I begin my claim?
To begin a group B strep negligence compensation claim with National Accident Helpline it is easy and completely stress-free. You simply need to give us a call on or start the process online here. If you are curious, you can also calculate your potential compensation online at any time during the process by using our compensation calculator.
Once you start your medical negligence compensation claim, the first port of call is with our friendly advisors. They are highly knowledgeable about medical negligence claims and are also very sympathetic. They will listen to you and then pass your situation on to our excellent medical negligence solicitors who will complete your claim.
If you have contracted group B strep due to medical negligence, you could be due compensation, so call National Accident helpline today on or request a call back here. You can even begin your claim online. Start making your compensation claim today!