In this sponsored post, Tozers, a member of our legal panel, share the story of their client J and his family, who they supported in bringing a medical negligence claim for compensation. In J’s case, Tozers were successful in establishing that there had been delays in the diagnosis and treatment of his GBS infection, which had led him to suffer life changing injuries.
At Group B Strep Support, we work closely with families whose lives have been affected by group B Strep (GBS) infection. We know that when infection does occur, the consequences can be devastating and life-changing.
“J sadly developed a serious GBS infection shortly after birth. Like many families in similar circumstances, his parents were left navigating the long-term impact of those early events, whilst trying to ensure that he received the care and support he needed. Now approaching his 12th birthday, J continues to face the challenges resulting from those early delays, and his family work very hard to ensure that he has the support he needs to live the
fullest life possible.
With the support of Tozers’ medical negligence team, J’s family brought a claim to investigate what had happened, and to secure the resources needed for his lifelong care. The final settlement (worth approximately £13 million in total) was approved by the Court in January this year. Prior to this, however, the family had received a significant interim payment of £1.5 million in Spring 2024 which had already begun to make a meaningful difference to J’s daily life and future.
Over the past year, J’s family have been able to start putting in place the practical support he needs, allowing them to focus more fully on his wellbeing and development. Tozers spoke to J’s mother about the family’s journey and how life has begun to change for the better following the successful conclusion of his claim.
Reflections from J’s mother
How has life felt since the claim successfully concluded in January of this year?
“Reaching the successful conclusion of the claim brought a real sense of relief for our whole family. For many years there had been uncertainty about J’s future, and we worried about how we would meet his needs as he got older. Now that the claim has finished, we feel a huge sense of relief, knowing that funds are in place to ensure that his needs will be supported throughout his life. We can now focus on planning for his future. We can make decisions about his care, housing and support with much more confidence.”
“It has given us peace of mind as parents, which is incredibly important. Instead of worrying about what lies ahead, we can concentrate on helping J live the best life possible.”
How has life changed since receiving the interim payment last year?
“This payment made a huge difference to our lives. For so long we were trying to manage J’s needs without knowing how we would fund the support that he would require in the future.”
“The funding meant that we could begin making practical changes straight away. It gave us a breathing space and the ability to focus on what J actually needs, rather than constantly worrying about how we would manage financially.”
What practical changes have you been able to make for J so far?
“One of the biggest changes has been moving into a more suitable rental property while we look for a permanent home that can be properly adapted to meet J’s needs.”
“We have also been able to start building a full team of carers around him. Having that support in place has made an enormous difference not only for J, but for our family as a whole. It means that he has the help he needs on a day to day basis and allows us to spend more time with him simply being his parents.”
How has the additional care and support helped J?
“Having a dedicated team around him has really improved J’s quality of life. His carers help with daily routines and support him with activities that allow him to be more comfortable and engaged. It has also given us the opportunity to focus more on helping him enjoy life and celebrate his progress, rather than constantly feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.”
Looking back now, how do you feel about the decision to bring a claim?
“At the time it was a very difficult and emotional decision but one that we are so pleased that we made. The claim has helped us get answers about what happened to J and has made sure that he will have the financial support he needs for the rest of his life. That security is incredibly important to us as parents.”
What would you want other parents to know about group B Strep?
“We wish we had known more about GBS before J became ill. Greater awareness and testing could make such a difference for families. Parents should feel empowered to ask questions and seek help if they are concerned about their baby’s health.”
Why stories like J’s matter
Although many babies exposed to GBS remain healthy, in some cases infection can develop rapidly and have devastating consequences. Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical.
For families whose children have been affected by delays in diagnosis or treatment, pursuing a legal claim can help secure the financial resources needed to support their child’s long-term care, therapy and accommodation needs.
J’s story highlights not only the lasting impact of GBS infection, but also the importance of ensuring families have access to the support and information they need.
We are grateful to J’s family for allowing their experience to be shared and helping raise awareness of GBS and its potential consequences.
How can Tozers help
At Tozers, our specialist medical negligence team has extensive experience supporting families whose babies have been affected by GBS infection. We understand that bringing a claim can feel overwhelming, particularly when families are already coping with the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a child with complex needs. Our role is to guide families through the process with empathy, clarity and specialist knowledge.
We can help families:
- Understand whether there may have been a delay in diagnosing or treating GBS
- Investigate what happened by reviewing medical records and obtaining expert medical evidence
- Pursue compensation to secure funding for lifelong care, therapies, specialist equipment and accommodation needs
- Navigate the legal process with support at every stage
While no legal action can undo the harm caused, a successful claim can provide the financial security needed to ensure a child receives the care and support they deserve throughout their life. If you are concerned about the care your baby received or would like to understand your options, our team is here to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist medical negligence lawyers for a confidential and no-obligation discussion about your circumstances on 01392 207020 or enquiries@tozers.co.uk. You can also find out more about making a claim here.“
