Connecticut Group B Strep Lawyer

Group B streptococcus (strep) is a complication of pregnancy that can present risks for the mother and the child. While long-term effects can be avoided in most cases, medical mistakes during pregnancy can lead to severe infections and other potentially serious health conditions. If you or your child has suffered ill effects due to a group B strep infection during pregnancy, it is important that you speak with a Connecticut Group B Strep attorney as soon as possible.

Our firm represents mothers and families in Connecticut in medical malpractice claims involving birth-related infections and other birth injuries and illnesses. Our attorneys have decades of experience and have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in financial compensation. Group b strep infections during pregnancy can have serious consequences, and the financial and non-financial costs can be substantial. If you have a birth injury claim due to medical malpractice, our Connecticut Group B Strep lawyers can recover the compensation you and your family deserve.

Information about Group B Strep

Group B strep (GBS) is a bacterial infection that is relatively common among women who are pregnant. This infection does not generally cause problems in the mother but can lead to serious illness for their newborn child. Group B strep typically develops in the mother’s digestive or urinary tract, and it can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), GBS affects about 1 in every 2,000 babies in the United States.

Risk Factors for Group B Strep

There are a number of risk factors for group B strep, and doctors should monitor expectant mothers who present with these risk factors during their pregnancies. Risk factors for maternal group B strep infections include:

• A group B strep infection during a prior pregnancy
• Having a urinary tract infection during pregnancy
• Going into labor prior to the 37th week of pregnancy
• Developing a high fever during labor
• Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and/or chorioamnionitis

Oftentimes, pregnant women will not exhibit any symptoms of group B strep. As a result, all pregnant women should generally be monitored and tested consistent with Connecticut’s standard of care. For women who do have symptoms, these symptoms typically include:

• Abdominal, side, or lower back pain
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain during urination

Signs of group B strep in newborns include:

• Changes in blood pressure
• Convulsions or seizures
• Symptoms of meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis (such as having breathing problems, breathing faster than normal, being unusually fussy or tired, and making grunting sounds)

Newborns may also gradually develop additional symptoms including decreased mobility or pain with movement of the arms or legs, redness, and fever.

Long-Term Risks of Group B Strep During Pregnancy

For expectant mothers, the most significant risks linked to group B strep infections during pregnancy are those associated with preterm labor and cesarean section (C-section) delivery. Some mothers may also experience heavy bleeding after delivery, which also has the potential for certain complications.

In most cases, however, the greatest risks are the risks to the fetus or newborn. These include the risk of:

• Brain damage
• Developmental disabilities
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory complications
• Sepsis
• Stillborn death

What If Your Doctor Failed to Timely Diagnose or Treat Group B Strep?

For mothers and families who are coping with the consequences of their doctor’s failure to timely diagnose or treat group B strep during pregnancy, the costs can begin to add up quickly. This includes not only financial costs such as medical bills and additional time missed from work, but non-financial costs such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment as well. These are all costs for which financial compensation is available, and Connecticut law establishes clear liability for doctors and health care facilities that make harmful medical mistakes.

Steps to Take After Experiencing Complications from Group B Strep During Pregnancy

If you or your child has experienced complications from group B strep during pregnancy, you should take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

• Collect Your Relevant Documentation – Collect any scans, test results, medical records, bills, statements of benefits, and other documentation you have from your pregnancy, your child’s birth, and any subsequent medical care. It’s okay if you don’t have everything—just take a few minutes to collect what you have.
• Continue with Your (and Your Child’s) Care – It will be important for you to continue with your (and your child’s) medical care. Still, you also need to avoid going back to the provider who you suspect may have committed medical malpractice. Instead, we can refer you to a qualified specialist in your area.
• Schedule an Appointment with an Attorney – Our Connecticut group B strep attorneys are available to speak at a time and location that are convenient for you. We also conduct initial consultations virtually. The cost of medical malpractice can be substantial, and talking to an attorney is the first step toward making sure you and your family receive any financial compensation you deserve.

In order to assert your legal rights, you will need experienced legal representation. Our Connecticut Group B Strep attorneys can help.

Consult with a Connecticut Group B Strep Attorney

Are you entitled to financial compensation for complications from group B strep during pregnancy? For a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights, call us today. A Connecticut group B strep lawyer could walk you through your legal compensation options.