Out of all infections a newborn can contract during the birth process or the hospital stay, Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the primary life-threatening infection encountered. This bacteria naturally grows in many healthy women. However, when these women give birth, the baby may come in contact with GBS and become infected. GBS in an infant can result in the following:
- Meningitis (swelling of the brain)
- Pneumonia
- Shock
- Brain damage
- Lung damage
- Vision and hearing loss
- Other physical disabilities
We hold negligent medical providers accountable for the harm they cause. One type of negligence is failing to take appropriate action to protect a newborn from avoidable birth infections. For instance, if a mother is diagnosed with GBS or another infection, her doctor should start her on intravenous antibiotics during labor and take any other appropriate steps to prevent harm to the baby. Improper or delayed diagnosis can put the baby at serious risk.
Other Types of Infections
We represent mothers and children who have been injured by other infections. These may include:
- Listeria / Listeriosis
This serious infection can be caused by eating contaminated food. The contamination stems from exposure to the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women in particular are susceptible to the disease. - E. coli
It is possible to contract an E. coli infection by coming into contact with feces (human or animal). This could happen with contaminated drinking water, undercooked meat, raw dairy, and unwashed fruits and vegetables. - HIV
According to the March of Dimes, about 6,000-7,000 women infected with HIV give birth in the United States every year. Since the height of the HIV outbreak, almost 3,000 children who were infected with HIV since birth have died. - Toxoplasmosis
The Toxoplasma gondii parasite, commonly found in cat feces and contaminated food, can cause serious disease. Pregnant women are advised against exposure to litter boxes. - Hepatitis B
Pregnant women with Hepatitis B can pass that virus onto their babies. Through proper diagnosis, your doctor can be prepared to have medications ready in the delivery room that can prevent your baby from Hepatitis B infection. - Urinary tract infections
Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing a UTI or bladder infection, since the uterus sites on top of the bladder. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which can in turn cause early labor and low birth weight.
For a free, no-obligation consultation about your potential case, call the Houston birth injury lawyers at Hampton & King at (713) 658-0231 or fill out our online form. Our dedicated law firm understands how important it is that you recovery maximum compensation for to cover the damages you and your loved ones have suffered. That is why we thoroughly over prepare every claim we take on. We also accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf.