Neonatal Infection and Sepsis Claims

Parents place their trust in healthcare professionals to protect their baby’s health during the first days of life. When infections or sepsis are not recognised or treated promptly, this trust can be compromised, potentially leading to serious harm. If warning signs were missed or treatment was delayed, families are often left with unanswered questions about what happened. A medical negligence claim can help provide clarity, accountability, and access to ongoing support.

At Macks Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence team provides families with expert guidance, understanding, and support at every stage of the claims process.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Is Neonatal Infection and Sepsis?

Neonatal infection refers to an infection that occurs in a baby during the first 28 days of life. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and may develop before birth, during delivery, or shortly after.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection becomes severe and affects vital organs. In newborn babies, sepsis can progress very quickly and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.

Common neonatal infections include:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
• E. coli infection
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Bloodstream infections (septicaemia)

When Can a Neonatal Infection or Sepsis Claim Be Made?

You may be able to make a claim if there are concerns that substandard medical care contributed to your baby developing an infection or sepsis, or delayed treatment worsened the outcome. This may include:

• Failure to identify infection risk factors during pregnancy or labour
• Failure to screen or treat maternal infections
• Delays in diagnosing signs of infection in the baby
• Failure to escalate concerns or carry out appropriate tests
• Delays in starting antibiotics or intensive care
• Poor monitoring following birth

Our specialist solicitors will review medical records and obtain independent expert medical advice to assess whether the care provided fell below acceptable standards. Call us today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back

What Injuries Can Result from Neonatal Infection or Sepsis?

Neonatal infections and Sepsis can lead to serious and long-term complications, including:

• Brain injury or developmental delay
• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing or vision impairment
• Organ damage
• Learning difficulties
• Neonatal death

We understand the impact these outcomes can have on families and provide support at every stage.

What Can Compensation Cover?

While compensation cannot undo the harm caused, it can help families access support, care, and financial stability. Compensation may cover:

• Pain, suffering, and distress
• Ongoing medical treatment and therapy
• Specialist equipment or adaptations
• Long-term care and support needs
• Loss of earnings or future earning capacity
• Funeral and related expenses in cases of neonatal death

The level of compensation will depend on the circumstances of the case and the long-term impact on the child and family.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

In most medical negligence cases, the standard time limit is three years from the date of the injury or from when it was first discovered.

• For children, the three-year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday, allowing claims to be brought before they turn 21.
• If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.

Early legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure evidence is preserved and your options are fully explained.

How Macks Solicitors Can Help

Our experienced medical negligence team will:

• Listen carefully to your concerns
• Investigate the circumstances surrounding your baby’s infection or sepsis
• Obtain independent expert medical evidence
• Support your family with care, professionalism, and understanding throughout the claims process

Our focus is on helping families find answers and secure the support they need.

Contact us

For more information about making a neonatal infection or sepsis claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.