Defense Verdict in an Infant Case Concerning Group Beta Strep Bacteria Prenatal Screening

Senior partner, Bruce G. Habian, obtained a defense verdict in New York County in a case where plaintiff claimed improper screening technique for Group B Strep Infection (GBS) bacteria. An extensive presentation of the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and Center for Disease Control criteria concerning GBS testing was the focus of the case. The plaintiff’s expert obstetrician was significantly challenged concerning the methods of securing adequate sample screening tissues. The defense was able to establish the rare subsequent colonization of GBS occurring after appropriate, routine, 35-week gestation screening procedures. The product of the pregnancy sustained significant cognitive deficits, all attributable to GBS. Partner, Kevin P. McManus, conducted the extensive pre-trial discovery workup in the matter.