We understand how overwhelming it can be to consider legal advice after you or your baby has been affected by group B Strep. That’s why we’ve partnered with a carefully selected panel of expert solicitors who are not only highly qualified but also deeply compassionate.
Each member of our Legal Panel:
- Has successfully handled clinical negligence cases involving group B Strep
- Holds accreditation with the Law Society, AvMA and/or APIL
- Brings years of experience supporting families through complex and emotional cases
These legal professionals are committed to providing clear, honest advice and will treat you with the respect, sensitivity and care you deserve. Whether you’re seeking answers, accountability or support for your child’s future needs, they are here to help you explore your options at your pace.
We do not receive referral fees from any of our legal partners. You are under no obligation to use them and are free to choose any solicitor you wish.
If you’d like to speak to one of our legal experts, please complete our short form and we’ll be in touch.
Fletchers Solicitors
contact: Sahida Patel
0113 391 6054
Sahida Patel is a Lead Partner at Fletchers Solicitors who has spent almost three decades helping families through the life-changing impact of birth injuries.
She specialises in complex medical negligence claims, including cases involving Group B Streptococcus, cerebral palsy and other serious brain injuries. Combining specialist legal expertise with compassionate support, Sahida helps families find answers, secure accountability and access the financial support needed for lifelong care.
Her expertise is recognised by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, where she is consistently ranked as a leading practitioner. She is also a longstanding member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel and AvMA’s Referral Panel.
Clients value not only Sahida’s expertise, but the reassurance she provides throughout their journey. As one client said: “Sahida was amazing throughout the case, always there when we needed her, and her hard work and determination achieved a great outcome for our son.”
Irwin Mitchell
contact: Mr Richard Kayser
0207 421 4709
Richard.Kayser@IrwinMitchell.com
Richard Kayser is a medical negligence Partner at Irwin Mitchell. He specialises in birth injury cases with particular expertise in injuries caused through group B strep infection. He has extensive expertise in dealing with both injuries to mum and baby.
Richard’s dedication to the families he works with is best described in client feedback received: “Richard Kayser visited us. I remember in the midst of all the pain and grief that we were feeling his voice being clear and extremely knowledgeable….Everything that he told us and every advice and guidance he has given has been true and correct. We cannot thank him enough for what he has done in getting us the best outcome and the help and support needed to support our granddaughter for the rest of her life”
Richard has actively supported the valuable work of Group B Strep Support alongside colleagues at Irwin Mitchell over many years. Since 2018 he has committed to regularly delivering talks to healthcare professionals focused on the prevention of group B strep infection. This is an area he is passionate about through his work with his clients.
Richard is an APIL accredited Senior Litigator and Clinical Negligence Specialist and is an accredited member of the AVMA Clinical Negligence Panel.
Leigh Day
contact: Ms Emmalene Bushnell
020 7650 1262
Emmalene is a specialist clinical negligence lawyer at Leigh Day with experience of acting on behalf of families affected by group B Strep infection. A Member of Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Association of Personal Injury Solicitors (APIL) where she is accredited as a Senior Litigator and the Secretary of their Clinical Negligence Special Interest Group.
One of Emmalene’s clients who sadly lost her baby to group B Strep infection said, “Leigh Day have proven to us that they are not just a law firm, they are a law firm that cares about making a difference. They support us, and other parents like us, in gaining answers and justice.”
JMW
contact: Nicola Wainwright
0203 002 5826
Nicola has acted for patients who have suffered as a result of medical negligence for over 20 years.
She specialises in claims for babies who sustained brain injury at birth due to maternity failures and children who suffered brain injuries caused by infections, particularly meningitis and sepsis and including group B Strep. She has also acted for many bereaved parents seeking answers, including at inquests.
Nicola is a member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation Panel, AVMA and APIL and is ranked by Chambers & Partners legal directory as a ‘highly experienced lawyer who achieves great results’. In their feedback, clients described Nicola as ‘incredibly empathetic and understanding’ and having a ‘thorough and tenacious approach’.
Tozers
contact: Mr Simon Mansfield
01392 209592
Simon Mansfield is a Partner within Tozers medical negligence department and has more than a decade of experience of acting exclusively for claimants injured because of medical negligence. Simon deals with all areas of clinical negligence but focuses on birth injury claims, acting for families and children who have suffered injuries as a result of delays in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, meningitis and Group B strep and on other maximum severity clinical negligence cases. He also assists with inquest representation helping bereaved families in finding answers when they have lost a loved one.
Simon is on the Meningitis Research Foundation Legal Panel, a Law Society accredited clinical negligence specialist, and ranked expert in Clinical negligence with the Chambers & Partners legal directory stating: “Simon is an excellent solicitor. He is very compassionate and caring, and is brilliant at explaining difficult situations and concepts.”, “He goes the extra mile and makes you feel at ease and supported through such a difficult process.”, “He provides an excellent service and is efficient, professional and approachable.”
Slater and Gordon
contact: Laura Preston
0330 995 5513
Laura is passionate about helping people who have been injured following medical treatment. She has been described as “fearless” in her pursuit of the best possible outcome for her clients and is a recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500. She is a Principal Lawyer (Partner) and Team Leader in Slater and Gordon’s medical negligence department in London.
Laura specialises in cases involving all aspects of medical negligence but has a particular focus on birth injury claims (for both mother and baby) and several of her cases have arisen from Group B Strep. She also has extensive experience representing bereaved families at inquest. One client said: “She was very conscientious and honest. Thanks to Laura’s commitment and professional approach everything ended well for my little son and me.”
She is an accredited APIL Senior Litigator and a contributing editor of the APIL: Clinical Negligence Guide 3rd Edition.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a case?
Our Panel lawyers are friendly and approachable. They will take time to assess your case and give you the information you need to proceed, if appropriate.
What if I’m worried I can’t afford a solicitor? If I don’t win the case, will I get a large bill at the end?
There should be no charge for an initial consultation with a lawyer. Your solicitor will advise you if you have a claim or not, first, for free – it’s your choice whether to progress from there.
Most firms offer conditional fee arrangements (‘no win, no fee’) where costs are dealt with at the end of the process. If the claim is successful the defendants will meet most, if not all of your legal costs. If the case is unsuccessful the solicitor will not charge for their time spent in dealing with the claim.
Your solicitor should also be able to secure sizeable interim payments for medical treatment, rehabilitation and other needs such as accommodation, to support you and your family during the process.
Is it important to find a specialist solicitor? How do I find one?
Yes. Clinical negligence is complex and there are relatively few specialists with good experience of group B Strep claims. It is very important to find a firm and lawyer that specialises in the type of case you have experienced. Our Panel members all have accreditation with the Law Society, AvMA and/or APIL, as well as having successfully dealt with clinical negligence cases relating to group B Strep infection.
Do I have to find a solicitor quickly?
There can be some time limits to claims, so sooner is better. If a claim concerns a loved one who is currently in hospital, you can start this process on their behalf.
The total timescale of a serious claim is usually around 3 to 5 years.
What is Legal Aid, and how do I know if I’m entitled?
Legal Aid is government funding which can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation at court or tribunal. Applicants are assessed to see whether their case is eligible for Legal Aid, the problem is serious and they cannot afford to pay legal costs. Not all firms offer Legal Aid and access is limited.
