Best Birth Injury Lawyers in Burbank

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

C&B Law Group, LLP
Burbank, United States

Founded in 2017
16 people in their team
English
C&B Law Group, LLP concentrates its practice on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment matters, assisting clients from its Los Angeles and Burbank offices across Southern California. The firm emphasizes over 30 years of combined experience and has a track record of handling a...
AS SEEN ON

About Birth Injury Law in Burbank, United States

Birth injury law in Burbank is primarily governed by California medical malpractice statutes and procedures. When a newborn or mother suffers injury due to obstetric malpractice or delayed treatment, families may seek compensation for medical bills, past and future care, and non economic damages within the limits set by state law. In California, birth injury claims usually proceed under the broader framework of medical malpractice litigation in Los Angeles County, where Burbank resides.

Understanding the basics helps families decide whether to consult a lawyer. Birth injuries often involve complex medical records, expert testimony, and statutes of limitations that differ from ordinary personal injury cases. An experienced attorney can assess potential negligence, preserve evidence, and guide you through prelitigation and litigation steps specific to California.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you identify and prove negligence in birth injuries through concrete, real world scenarios typical in the Burbank area.

  • Failure to monitor fetal distress during labor leading to hypoxic injury in a newborn, requiring long term care and therapies.
  • Delayed or improper response to abnormal fetal heart rate tracings resulting in cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Neonatal sepsis or respiratory distress caused by substandard delivery room procedures and insufficient postpartum monitoring.
  • Shoulder dystocia management errors causing brachial plexus injury or Erb’s palsy, with lifelong physical therapy and surgeries needed.
  • Inadequate cesarean section decision making or timing that increases risk of birth trauma and related costs for the family.
  • Failure to order or interpret essential newborn tests in a timely manner, leading to delayed treatment for treatable injuries.

In each scenario, a qualified birth injury attorney can help determine if a hospital, obstetrician, or birth care team acted negligently and whether the case meets California's legal requirements for medical malpractice claims. They can also help navigate settlement discussions, demand letters, and possible litigation in the appropriate California court.

Local Laws Overview

Birth injury claims in Burbank are shaped by California statutes that regulate medical malpractice litigation and damages.

  • California Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) - Caps noneconomic damages in medical malpractice actions at $250,000 per case. This cap remains a key factor in evaluating settlement values and trial strategy. California Civil Code 3333.2
  • California Civil Code 3333.1 and related MICRA provisions - Addresses the collateral source rule, limiting certain offsets against noneconomic damages and guiding how third party payments are treated in damages awards. California Civil Code 3333.1
  • California Code of Civil Procedure 340.5 - Sets the statute of limitations for medical malpractice actions, generally requiring filing within one year from discovery or within three years from the date of injury, with special rules for minors and other circumstances. California Code of Civil Procedure 340.5
MICRA was enacted in 1975 to reform medical liability and protect access to care by establishing a noneconomic damages cap in medical malpractice cases.

Recent changes to MICRA remain limited in scope, with the cap continuing to shape settlements and trial strategy for birth injury cases in California. For families in Burbank, understanding these provisions helps set realistic expectations for damages and timelines. Source: California Civil Code 3333.2 and 3333.1; California Code of Civil Procedure 340.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a birth injury in California law?

A birth injury is a physical injury to a newborn or mother arising during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that may have resulted from medical negligence. The claim typically falls under medical malpractice unless other factors apply. An attorney can help distinguish negligence from complications.

How do I know if I have a birth injury claim in Burbank?

Seek a medical-legal evaluation if you suspect negligent monitoring, delayed delivery, or improper resuscitation contributed to injury. An attorney can review records and medical opinions to determine if the standard of care was breached.

When should I contact a birth injury lawyer after the birth?

Contacting a lawyer promptly is advisable, as California statutes of limitations and prelitigation requirements may affect your claim. Early review helps preserve evidence and identify applicable deadlines.

Do I need to file a claim in a specific court in California?

Most birth injury actions are filed in the county where the injury occurred, typically in Los Angeles County Superior Court for Burbank cases. Your attorney will determine the proper venue and filing strategy.

How long does a typical birth injury case take in California?

Med mal cases often take 12 to 36 months to reach resolution, depending on complexity, discovery, and settlement negotiation. Some cases may extend longer if they go to trial.

What is the potential financial recovery for birth injuries in California?

Damages can cover medical costs, long term care, and some noneconomic losses, subject to MICRA caps. Exact figures depend on injuries, life care plans, and liability findings.

Do I need to pay up front to hire a birth injury attorney?

Many birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless you win or settle. Confirm fee arrangements during the initial consultation.

How much can the MICRA cap affect my case?

The MICRA cap limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 per case in most medical malpractice actions. This cap influences settlement values and trial arguments.\n

What is the difference between a birth injury case and a wrongful death claim?

Birth injury cases involve harm to the newborn or mother and may include long term care costs. Wrongful death claims arise if the injury results in the infant’s death, potentially adding different damages and procedural rules.

Do I need an expert affidavit or certificate of merit to file a claim?

California medical malpractice actions often require expert testimony to support the claim. Your attorney will advise on any required declarations or prelitigation steps applicable to your case.

How do I know which hospital or provider is liable?

Liability depends on whether the care provided met the standard of care and whether negligence caused the injury. A detailed review of medical records and expert opinions is essential to identify liable parties.

Can birth injuries be prevented with better hospital practices?

While not all injuries are preventable, many are associated with delays, monitoring failures, or procedural errors that can be mitigated by adherence to obstetric standards and timely interventions.

Additional Resources

  • MedlinePlus Birth Injuries - a government-supported resource explaining birth injuries, causes, and treatments. MedlinePlus Birth Injury
  • CDC Maternal and Infant Health Resources - provides information on birth outcomes, neonatal health, and related factors that can influence birth injuries. CDC Birth Defects and Infant Health
  • California Legislative Information - official source for MICRA provisions including noneconomic damages caps and related medical malpractice statutes. California Legislative Information

Next Steps

  1. Collect and organize all birth related medical records, including delivery notes, fetal heart rate tracing, neonate assessments, and discharge summaries. This helps establish a factual timeline for your case. Timeframe: 1-3 weeks after contact with a lawyer.
  2. Schedule a free consultation with a birth injury attorney licensed in California, preferably with experience handling obstetric negligence and Los Angeles County cases. Prepare questions about experience, expected timelines, and fee structure. Timeframe: 1-4 weeks after gathering records.
  3. Have a formal records request ready for hospitals and physicians to obtain complete care documentation, imaging, and witness statements. Your lawyer can issue formal requests and manage responses. Timeframe: 2-6 weeks for initial responses.
  4. Discuss the presuit process and any required prelitigation notices or declarations under California law with your attorney. Understand deadlines and settlement expectations. Timeframe: 1-3 months, depending on case specifics.
  5. Decide on a strategy with your attorney, including potential settlement negotiations or proceeding to filing in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Your attorney will outline potential damages, caps, and trial expectations. Timeframe: 3-12 months to resolution, depending on negotiation and court calendars.
  6. Prepare for discovery and expert testimony by coordinating with medical experts who can validate the standard of care and causation. This step is essential for a strong case. Timeframe: ongoing through litigation, often 6-24 months.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Burbank through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Birth Injury, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Burbank, United States — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.