Corona Birth Injury Lawyer

Birth Injury Attorney in Corona, CA

The birth of a new child is meant to be an exciting time in a family’s life. When an avoidable injury happens during childbirth, it can have lasting trauma on the entire family. Working with a skilled Corona birth injury lawyer can help you understand what legal options are available to you.

Work With Experienced Attorneys in California

The team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen has years of experience helping our California neighbors get through their most challenging times in life. When you work with our firm, you’re working with attorneys who are dedicated to protecting our clients and making sure responsible parties pay. We take our clients’ lived experiences to heart and channel that passion into our legal strategy.

Our attorneys offer free consultations to those living in Corona and the surrounding towns in California. During your consultation, you’ll be provided the empathy you deserve.

The Reality of Birth Injuries for Corona Parents and Newborns

Around 4,808 women in Corona gave birth in 2023. In the United States, a birth injury occurs every 20 minutes.

In 2021, there were 21.6 pregnancy-related deaths per 1,000 live births in California. Between 2019 and 2021, those on Medi-Cal experienced a maternity mortality rate of 26 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to the 9.6 deaths per 1,000 live births for those on private health insurance.

This disparity in care leads to higher rates of medical mistakes, injury, and death in marginalized communities. One of the most common places to give birth in Corona is the Corona Regional Medical Center, which received two out of five stars on a survey taken by past patients. Only 51% of patients reported that they would recommend this hospital to others.

Be sure to hire a birth injury lawyer to help you manage your case and explain the next steps. They’ll help you file your claim at the Corona Courthouse, located at 505 South Buena Vista Avenue.

Evidence to Collect to Strengthen Your Birth Injury Case

You’ll need to gather extensive and diverse evidence during your case to strengthen your legal claim. Courts rely on the evidence provided by all parties to make their decisions, and if you only have one type of evidence, it can weaken your case. Your lawyer can assist in explaining what you’ll need and help you gather it, including:

• Testimony from medical professionals in similar fields—California courts require this during medical malpractice cases, as it can provide clarity on what caused your injuries and how your provider failed you
• Testimony from anyone who witnessed the incident take place
• Surveillance footage of the incident
• Copies of your medical records and bills
• Copies of any incident reports
• A written timeline of events
• Photos and videos of the injuries incurred
• A detailed, timestamped journal about your emotional losses since the incident
• Any other official documents that show your losses

Together, these can help courts lean in your favor during your case.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Birth Injury Case

In a medical malpractice case, survivors can file requests for damages. These damages are calculated based on the real losses you’ve suffered since the injury, and the total is the amount of compensation you’re requesting in your case. There are two main types that can be requested:

• Economic damages: These damages are easy to calculate and generally have no limit, as they’re based on the financial losses you’ve incurred because of the injuries. They can cover the extent of your medical bills, lost income due to missing work because of injuries, and any damage to your personal belongings.
• Non-economic damages: These damages are more subjective, as they’re based on non-financial losses. They can cover your pain and suffering, disfigurement, and inconvenience.

FAQs

Is There a Limit on the Amount of Damages I Can Request in My Birth Injury Case?

There is a limit to the amount of non-economic damages that can be requested in a birth injury case. In 2023, that limit was $350,000 total for all involved healthcare providers. You could also request $350,000 total for all involved healthcare institutions, as well as $350,000 total for any unaffiliated providers or institutions, such as your medical transport. However, since 2023, this limit will rise by $40,000 per year for 10 years, up to $750,000.

How Long Do You Have to File a Legal Claim Against a Hospital in Corona, CA?

When filing a legal claim against a hospital, the timeline for filing can vary for Corona, CA, residents. If the person giving birth was the one who was hurt, the deadline to file a legal claim is generally three years after the injury. If the baby was the one injured before or during birth, the deadline to file is generally six years after birth. While these deadlines may seem long, it’s vital to act as soon as possible after an injury.

Can You File a Legal Claim Against Multiple People in a Medical Malpractice Case?

You can file a legal claim against multiple people in a medical malpractice case. There’s likely more than one person involved in the incident, as expecting parents typically have an entire team dedicated to their care. This can include paramedics, your doctor, the nurses, and even the hospital itself.

What Are Punitive Damages in a Birth Injury Case?

Punitive damages are another type of damage that can only be filed in specific cases. If the person you’re filing against acted with extreme malice, oppression, or fraud, you may be able to request punitive damages. For example, if your doctor neglected your treatment based on your race, you may be able to request punitive damages. These damages were designed to further punish the wrongdoer and deter any similar actions from happening in the future.

Hire a Birth Injury Lawyer to Fight for You

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen offers free consultations to those living in Corona and the surrounding areas in California. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t require payment for our services until we’ve secured compensation for you. Contact our Glendora office today to speak with one of our skilled lawyers about your case.