Helping Families Whose Infants Have Been Harmed By Untreated Group B Strep (Infection)
Early Onset Of The Disease In Newborns
Most women (and men) carry Group B streptococcal bacterium in their throat, rectum, bladder, intestines and genital tract. Although adults are carriers, they usually remain asymptomatic and feel in good health.
About one-fourth of all pregnant women carry the GBS bacterium in their rectum and vagina, but remain remarkably healthy. To test for GBS, a swab of the rectum and vagina is sent by their doctor to a lab for analysis. The test results are usually available within two days.
Newborns are especially susceptible to contracting early-onset Group B strep as they pass through the vaginal canal. A baby can become quite ill within 12 hours of birth.
Symptoms of early-onset GBS include:
- Difficulties with nursing/feeding
- Listlessness
- Fever
Early-onset GBS disease can lead to serious illnesses in babies such as:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Death
Late-Onset Group B Strep
Late-onset Group B strep is not as common as Type A. It usually becomes evident after the first week of life and can appear in infants up to the age of 3 months.
Contact Us To Help Determine If Your Claim Is Valid
If your baby developed Group A or Group B strep disease due to your doctor’s negligent actions or omissions, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages. A lawyer can discuss the facts of your case with you, to determine if you have a valid malpractice claim.
Call The Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt, P.C. at 480-951-3949 or contact us online to learn more. Your initial consultation is free. From our Scottsdale offices, we represent people throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona, area.