Group B Strep (GBS) Negligence Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence Compensation
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common, usually harmless bacteria found in many adults. However, in pregnancy, childbirth, or the neonatal period, it can be incredibly dangerous if not properly identified and managed. When healthcare providers fail to screen for, diagnose, or treat GBS appropriately, it can result in life-changing injuries for newborns and mothers — and sometimes even fatalities.
If you or your baby have been harmed because of GBS-related negligence, you could be entitled to claim compensation. This guide will explain how GBS negligence claims work, what you can claim for, and how we can support you through the process.
What is a Group B Strep (GBS) Negligence Claim?
A GBS negligence claim is a legal case made when a healthcare provider fails to properly manage the risks of Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy or childbirth, resulting in avoidable harm to the mother, baby, or both. Rather than viewing each consequence in isolation, these claims consider the overall physical, emotional, and financial impact of what happened — both short and long-term.
For example:
- A baby suffers sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia after GBS infection goes undiagnosed during pregnancy
- A mother experiences postnatal infection or complications due to poor hygiene and mismanagement during labour
- A newborn is left with long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or developmental delays as a result of untreated GBS infection
These situations are emotionally devastating and can lead to lasting consequences for the whole family.
How to Make a GBS Negligence Claim
We understand that making a claim after a traumatic medical event can feel overwhelming — particularly when a child’s health has been affected. Here’s how the process works in simple, manageable steps:
Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation
Get in touch with our specialist medical negligence team for a no-obligation discussion. We’ll listen to your experience, assess whether you have grounds for a claim, and explain how we can help.
Step 2: Gather Critical Evidence
To build a strong case, your solicitor will collect and review:
- Full maternity and medical records for mother and baby
- Results (or absence) of GBS screening tests during pregnancy
- Documentation of symptoms, infection signs, and treatment
- Neonatal test results and hospital records
- Independent medical expert opinions
- Evidence of financial losses, care costs, and long-term expenses
Once the evidence is in place, your case will be handled by an experienced solicitor specialising in birth injury and medical negligence cases.
What If the Hospital or Doctor Denies Responsibility?
If the healthcare provider disputes fault or denies responsibility, it doesn’t mean your claim is over. Your solicitor can:
- Examine clinical guidelines and compare them to the care you received
- Seek independent medical reviews from obstetricians, paediatricians, or infectious disease experts
- Investigate whether GBS protocols, hygiene measures, or treatment timelines were properly followed
- Take formal legal action if necessary
Strong evidence, detailed medical reports, and expert opinions are essential to proving negligence in these cases.
Who Can Make a GBS Negligence Claim?
You may be entitled to claim compensation if avoidable harm was caused by:
- Failure to offer or perform appropriate GBS screening during pregnancy
- Delayed or incorrect diagnosis of GBS in a newborn
- Failure to administer antibiotics during labour despite known risk factors
- Delays in recognising or treating early signs of neonatal infection
- Inadequate hygiene or infection control practices
- Failure to monitor mother or baby for GBS-related complications after birth
You can bring a claim if you are:
- The affected mother
- A parent acting on behalf of a child (under 18)
- A family member of a baby who sadly passed away due to GBS negligence
What Can You Claim for in a GBS Negligence Case?
The compensation you may be awarded depends on the severity of the injuries and the long-term effects on both mother and baby. A successful claim could cover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, corrective treatments, and specialist therapy
- Pain and suffering: For both physical and emotional trauma
- Loss of earnings: Time taken off work for treatment, recovery, or caring for a child
- Care costs: Ongoing care, rehabilitation, and daily support for children with lasting disabilities
- Travel expenses: For hospital visits, therapies, and medical appointments
- Future costs: Long-term medical care, home adaptations, and special education if the child is left disabled
- Dependency or funeral costs: If a loved one passes away due to medical failings
Your solicitor will work to ensure the full personal, financial, and emotional impact is reflected in your claim.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you can claim on behalf of:
- A child under the age of 18
- A loved one who is physically or mentally incapacitated
- A family member who sadly passed away because of GBS-related negligence
In wrongful death cases, relatives can also claim for funeral expenses, dependency losses, and emotional suffering.
How Long Does a GBS Negligence Claim Take?
The time it takes to resolve a claim depends on several factors:
- Whether the hospital or healthcare provider accepts fault
- The complexity and severity of the harm caused
- The time needed for medical experts to assess future care needs and outcomes
- Whether there are disputes over evidence, liability, or compensation
Straightforward claims may settle within 12-18 months, while complex cases involving lifelong disabilities or fatalities can take 2-3 years or longer. We’ll keep you fully updated and manage every aspect on your behalf.
Are GBS Negligence Claims Complex?
Yes — GBS negligence claims often involve high levels of medical and legal complexity because of:
- The specialist nature of maternity, neonatal, and infection care
- The wide range of possible consequences (from mild infections to lifelong disabilities)
- The sensitive, emotionally charged nature of birth injury cases
- The need for detailed evidence, independent expert opinions, and complex future care cost calculations
It’s vital to work with a solicitor experienced in handling medical negligence and birth injury claims.
We’re Here to Support You
If you, your child, or a loved one has suffered due to GBS negligence, the consequences can be devastating. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every step of your claim
- Help you access specialist medical care and therapy
- Fight for maximum compensation to secure your family’s future
- Provide peace of mind and reassurance as you navigate this difficult time
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, accountability, and peace of mind.