Long Beach Birth Malpractice Lawyer

Child Trust Fund

Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children

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What Should a Long Beach Family Do If Their Child Suffered a Preventable Birth Injury?

Every parent-to-be in Long Beach enters the hospital with the same fundamental hope: for a safe delivery and a healthy child. It’s a hope built on months of planning and trust in the medical professionals you’ve chosen. But when a preventable medical mistake turns this long-awaited day into a medical crisis, that trust is shattered. The future you envisioned is suddenly replaced by a bewildering maze of medical terminology, therapy appointments, and profound uncertainty. You are left grappling not just with a new diagnosis, but with the heartbreaking question of what went wrong and why.

Our founding principle at The Child Injury Firm is clear: a family’s future should not be defined by a preventable medical mistake. For years, we have applied this belief to our work, fighting for families in Long Beach and throughout California who find their lives tragically altered by negligence in the delivery room. We are here to be your advocates and allies, transforming your pain into a powerful pursuit of justice and ensuring your rights under California law are fully enforced.

The medical facilities in Long Beach are known for their high quality of care, but this does not eliminate the nationwide risk of preventable medical errors. Data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides a clear picture, showing that there were 1.24 million hospital stays involving adverse events in a single recent year. This guide exists to arm you with the knowledge to navigate this reality, transforming your uncertainty into a powerful and informed voice for your child within the local healthcare system. 

Uncovering the Truth: Which of the Two Stories Does the Evidence Tell?

After a difficult birth, there are two possible stories of how a child’s condition came to be, and it is our job as legal investigators to find out which one the evidence tells. The first story begins months before birth; this is the story of a birth defect, where a genetic or developmental issue arises in the womb. The second story begins in the delivery room; this is the story of a birth injury, where a specific medical mistake during labor causes direct harm. This second story often involves a critical moment—a sudden drop in heart rate, a delayed decision—that a competent medical team should have managed differently. Our investigation uncovers that critical moment, which becomes the centerpiece of the legal case. Our goal is to discover which of these two stories the facts support, as this is the critical first step toward getting your family justice. 

Long Beach Birth Injury Lawyer: What Are the Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries?

These are not simply medical diagnoses; they represent a future that was stolen. A child’s injury during birth can result in permanent injury, significantly impacting the child’s life and requiring ongoing care and support. These injuries can affect every aspect of a child’s life, from daily activities to future opportunities, and often require long-term medical care, therapies, and adaptive equipment.

Conditions like cerebral palsy and other forms of permanent brain damage can lead to lifelong medical needs, including specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, and continuous medical attention. Periventricular leukomalacia is a type of brain injury linked to reduced blood and oxygen flow in premature infants.

The purpose of a medical malpractice birth injury claim is to reclaim the resources necessary to provide your child with a lifetime of dignity, quality care, and the best possible opportunities. The legal process is centered on ensuring your child’s care and well-being are prioritized throughout the case. Reviewing your child’s medical records is a critical step in establishing the cause of injury and holding responsible medical providers accountable. Analyzing the child’s medical records is essential to determine the cause of the injury and to build a strong case for compensation. The legal process not only seeks compensation but also allows families to focus on their child’s care and well-being. 

Introduction to Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are life-altering events that can occur before, during, or immediately after delivery, often leaving families in shock and searching for answers. In many cases, these injuries are the result of medical negligence—when doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals fail to provide the standard of care required during pregnancy or childbirth. For families in Long Beach and across California, the consequences of a birth injury can be overwhelming, leading to lifelong disabilities, significant medical expenses, and the need for ongoing therapy and support.

California birth injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping families navigate the complex legal process that follows a serious birth injury. These law offices often represent injury victims and work on a contingency fee basis, so families pay nothing unless they win their case. Whether a child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, suffered brachial plexus injuries, or experienced spinal cord injuries due to improper use of delivery tools or failure to respond to fetal distress, our experienced birth injury lawyers are equipped to investigate the circumstances and determine if medical negligence played a part. Our firm is experienced in medical malpractice cases, specifically birth injuries, requiring extensive medical knowledge to prove that a healthcare provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care. By thoroughly reviewing medical records and consulting with leading medical experts, our legal professionals build strong cases to hold responsible parties accountable.

The primary goal of a birth injury lawsuit is to secure compensation that covers not only immediate medical expenses but also the long-term costs associated with therapy, adaptive equipment, and specialized care. The average birth injury settlement can exceed millions of dollars, depending on the specifics of the case. This financial support is essential for families facing the reality of lifelong disabilities and the need for ongoing medical treatment. Our dedicated law firm with experience in California birth injury cases will advocate for fair compensation, ensuring that families have the resources they need to provide the best possible care for their child.

Navigating a birth injury case in California can be daunting, with complex legal requirements and strict deadlines. That’s why having skilled legal representation is so important. Our knowledgeable California birth injury lawyers will guide families through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking the case to trial. Our experienced law offices often have established relationships with medical professionals who can provide crucial expert testimony to bolster your claim. Families should look for a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice, specifically birth injuries, and who can explain complex legal and medical concepts in understandable terms. By seeking legal action, families in Long Beach and throughout the state can focus on their child’s well-being, knowing that their legal team is working tirelessly to secure compensation and justice on their behalf.

For families impacted by birth injuries, taking the first step toward legal action can make all the difference. Choosing a birth injury lawyer in Long Beach requires careful evaluation of their specific experience, resources, and communication style. Families are encouraged to look at online reviews and testimonials on platforms like Google, Yelp, and legal directories to evaluate a lawyer’s reputation and communication style. Inquire about the attorney’s history of favorable outcomes, including recent settlements and verdicts in cases similar to yours, indicating capability. With the support of experienced birth injury lawyers, families can obtain the financial support they need to meet their child’s medical and therapy costs, adapt to new challenges, and ensure a brighter future despite the hardships caused by medical negligence.

Our California birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hourly fees, and this reduces the financial risk for families.

Contact our law offices today for a free case evaluation or free case review to assess your legal options without financial risk.

Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can take many forms, ranging from mild to severe, and often result from medical negligence or mistakes made by doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals during labor and delivery. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, spinal cord injuries, and brain damage. Each of these conditions can have a profound impact on a child’s life, leading to lifelong disabilities that require ongoing medical care, therapy, and support.

Cerebral palsy is a movement disorder frequently linked to oxygen deprivation or trauma during birth, while brachial plexus injuries affect the nerves controlling the arm and hand, often caused by excessive force or improper handling during delivery. Spinal cord injuries, though less common, can result in permanent paralysis and loss of function. Brain damage, whether from lack of oxygen or improper use of delivery tools, can lead to cognitive and developmental challenges that last a lifetime.

Our California birth injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving these serious injuries. They understand the complexities of medical negligence and work diligently to secure compensation for families facing mounting medical expenses and the emotional toll of caring for a child with lifelong disabilities. If your child has suffered a birth injury, consulting with our knowledgeable birth injury lawyers can help you explore your legal options and take the necessary steps to secure compensation for your child’s care and future needs.

What Makes a Birth Injury a Medical Malpractice Case Under California Law?

A birth injury becomes a medical malpractice case in Long Beach when we can establish a clear chain of accountability. This legal process involves proving a series of connected facts under the specific rules of California law. Birth injury cases often involve complex legal issues, including determining liability, understanding your legal rights, and navigating the process to pursue compensation for your child’s injuries. Birth injury cases require reviewing medical records, consulting medical experts, and examining equipment use and medication administration. The legal process for birth injury claims often involves gathering medical records and evidence to prove negligence. 

Establishing the Duty (The Standard of Care): The chain begins with the professional duty that every doctor, nurse, and hospital in the Long Beach area owes to a patient. This duty is to provide a “standard of care,” which is a legal benchmark for what a reasonably skilled and competent medical professional would have done in the same situation.

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Proving the Breach (The Mistake): Next, we must prove a breach of that duty. This means pinpointing the specific, preventable mistake—whether it was a doctor misreading clear signs of fetal distress, a nurse failing to escalate an urgent problem, or a hospital being dangerously understaffed. This is the moment the medical care provided fell below the accepted professional standard. 

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Linking the Breach to the Harm (Causation): This is the most critical link. We must scientifically and medically prove that the specific breach of duty was the direct cause of your child’s injury. This requires building an unshakable argument, supported by testimony from world-renowned medical experts, that leaves no doubt about the connection between the error and the devastating outcome.

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The statute of limitations for filing a birth injury lawsuit in California is typically one year from the date of the injury. For medical malpractice lawsuits, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury. Acting promptly is essential to ensure your legal rights are protected.

This entire chain of accountability is governed by two crucial California laws that every family must be aware of:

The Rule of Fair Compensation (MICRA Reform): A groundbreaking 2023 law, Assembly Bill 35, dramatically reformed how families are compensated for their profound pain and suffering by significantly raising an outdated cap on damages. Your legal team’s deep knowledge of this new law is essential to securing the full and just recovery your family now deserves, including the ability to recover compensation and obtain the financial compensation needed to cover ongoing medical expenses, lifelong care, and other associated costs. Non-economic damages include a child’s pain and suffering and the family’s emotional distress. 

Birth Injury Deadlines

  • Determine Party: Identify if the responsible party is Private (Doctor, private hospital) or Public (County, State hospital).
  • Private Party Deadline: If private, confirm the child’s Lawsuit must be filed by their eighth birthday (if injured before age six).
  • Public Party Deadline 1 (CRITICAL): If public, file the formal Claim with the government agency within SIX MONTHS. Do NOT miss this step.
  • Public Party Deadline 2: Prepare to file the actual Lawsuit within six months after the government formally rejects the claim in the event the claim is rejected.

 Seeking justice and exploring your legal options as soon as possible is critical to protect your rights and maximize your opportunity for recovery.

Brain Damage and Birth Injuries

Brain damage is one of the most devastating outcomes of a birth injury and can occur when medical professionals fail to provide the standard of care during labor and delivery. Oxygen deprivation, improper use of delivery tools, and failure to respond promptly to signs of fetal distress are all examples of medical mistakes that can result in serious brain damage. These injuries can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and other lifelong disabilities that require extensive medical treatment and therapy.

If your child has suffered brain damage due to medical negligence, it is crucial to understand your legal options. Birth injury lawyers and California cerebral palsy lawyers have the experience and resources to investigate the circumstances of your child’s injury, review medical records, and build a strong case against the responsible parties. They can guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, and the ongoing care your child will need.

A free consultation with a qualified California birth injury lawyer can provide clarity on your rights and the best course of action for your family. By taking legal action, you can hold negligent medical professionals accountable and secure the financial support necessary to provide your child with the best possible quality of life.

Birth Injury Statute of Limitations

Understanding the statute of limitations is critical for families considering a birth injury lawsuit in California. Generally, the law requires that birth injury cases be filed within eight years from the date the injury is discovered. However, there are exceptions and specific rules that may apply, depending on the details of your case and the age of the child involved.

Missing the statute of limitations deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of the injury or the strength of your case. That’s why it is essential to consult with our experienced California birth injury lawyers as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you navigate the legal process, ensure all necessary evidence is gathered, and file your claim within the required timeframe.

By seeking prompt legal representation, you protect your family’s rights and increase your chances of securing compensation for medical negligence. Don’t let legal deadlines stand in the way of justice—reach out to a birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.

Where in Long Beach Do Most Families Deliver Their Babies?

Long Beach is home to a world-class medical center that handles a very high volume of births for the region. The primary hospitals for childbirth in the Long Beach area are:

Top Resource Groups in Long Beach, CA

Receiving a diagnosis for your child is overwhelming. Finding the best resources near me was a common search for many families we have helped. Here are some trusted, non-legal organizations that can provide invaluable information and support in the Long Beach area:

Connecting with these groups can provide comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of community, reminding you that you are not on this journey alone.

Birth Injury Lawsuit

A birth injury lawsuit is a powerful legal tool for families whose lives have been forever changed by medical negligence or medical malpractice during childbirth. When a child suffers from birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or severe brain damage, our California birth injury lawyers step in to help families seek justice and secure the financial support they need for a lifetime of care.

The legal process for a birth injury lawsuit begins with a comprehensive review of your child’s medical records. Our experienced birth injury lawyers and legal teams work closely with medical professionals, including experts from leading institutions, to determine whether medical mistakes or a breach of the standard of care occurred. This investigation is critical in building a strong case that demonstrates how medical negligence played a direct role in your child’s injury.

Once the evidence is gathered, your legal team will handle every aspect of the case—from filing the initial claim to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing your family in court. Throughout this process, your birth injury lawyer will keep you informed and supported, allowing you to focus on your child’s well-being. The primary goal of a birth injury lawsuit is to secure compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, adaptive equipment, and other needs that arise from lifelong disabilities. In some cases, punitive damages may also be pursued to hold negligent medical providers fully accountable.

California birth injury cases are often complex, requiring a deep understanding of medical negligence laws, civil procedure, and the unique needs of children with serious birth injuries. Our skilled California cerebral palsy lawyers or birth injury attorneys can guide your family through the legal process, help you access resources like the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, and ensure that every aspect of your child’s care is considered in your claim.

Families in Long Beach and throughout California should not hesitate to explore their legal options. A free consultation with a knowledgeable birth injury lawyer can provide clarity on your rights and the best path forward. By taking legal action, you can recover compensation for your child’s ongoing care, therapy, and future needs—helping to relieve the financial burden and secure a brighter future for your family.

Conclusion and Next Steps

If your family is facing the challenges of a birth injury caused by medical negligence, you do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone. Our California birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families like yours secure compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and the emotional impact of a serious birth injury. Experienced California birth injury attorneys streamline the legal process for families by handling all necessary legal work. With deep knowledge of California’s medical malpractice laws and experience working with local hospitals and courts, these birth injury lawyers provide the legal representation and support you need during this overwhelming time.

A free consultation with our qualified California birth injury legal team can help you understand your rights, evaluate your legal options, and determine the best path forward for your family. By taking action, you can relieve the financial burden of a birth injury and ensure your child receives the care and support they deserve. Don’t wait—contact our California birth injury lawyers today to discuss your case and begin the process of securing the compensation and justice your family needs. 

Common Questions About Long Beach, California Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Cases

How much does it cost to hire your firm? We are already facing overwhelming medical bills.

There are absolutely no upfront costs to hire our firm. We handle all birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we advance all the significant costs required to build and litigate your case—including hiring world-class medical experts, court filing fees, and deposition costs. You will never receive a bill from us. Our fee is a percentage of the financial recovery we win for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

What if we believe the injury was caused by a hospital-wide issue, like understaffing in the maternity ward, and not just one doctor's mistake?

This is a critical part of our investigation. Liability often extends beyond a single individual to the institution itself. Hospitals in Long Beach can be held liable for systemic failures, such as negligent hiring of staff, insufficient training, failing to have proper emergency protocols in place, or chronic understaffing that compromises patient safety. Our job is to identify every responsible party to ensure complete accountability. We work with a trusted network of legal partners who have extensive experience representing California families in complex birth injury and medical negligence cases.

What will our family's role be during the lawsuit? We are worried about the time commitment and stress.

We understand that your primary focus must be on your child’s care. Our legal team handles the vast majority of the day-to-day legal work. Your role is primarily as a source of information. You will share your story with us, help us gather documents, and provide updates on your child’s condition. You will likely need to attend a legal proceeding called a deposition, but we will thoroughly prepare you for every step. While the process can be long, we strive to shield you from the stress so you can focus on your family.

We know a lawsuit can cover medical bills, but what other lifelong financial challenges can a settlement account for?

A comprehensive life care plan, which forms the basis of the damages we seek, goes far beyond immediate medical bills. It is designed to cover a lifetime of needs, including: the cost of future therapies (physical, occupational, speech), in-home nursing care, specialized medical equipment and technology, essential home and vehicle modifications for accessibility, and your child’s lost future earning capacity. It can even account for the lost wages of a parent who must leave their career to become a full-time caregiver. A California cerebral palsy lawyer can help families across the state.

The hospital's risk manager has been very kind and offered to cover some immediate expenses if we sign a release. Should we consider this?

Absolutely not, until you have spoken with an experienced birth injury attorney. While it may seem like a helpful gesture, this is a common tactic used by hospitals to offer a quick, lowball payment in exchange for you signing away all of your family’s future legal rights. The true cost of a birth injury is often not known for months or even years. Accepting an early offer without a full understanding of your child’s lifelong needs can be a catastrophic financial mistake.

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Testimonials

Child & Birth Injury Lawyers: Making a Difference When It Matters Most

Catastrophic child and birth injuries can shatter the lives of not just the babies and children, but also their families. Families are left to navigate a complex maze of medical challenges, financial burdens, and emotional turmoil. But, this is where Jeffrey Killino and his team of dedicated lawyers can provide the support and guidance families need most.

Life-Changing Financial Security

For over 2 decades, Jeffrey Killino and his team have secured life-changing results for babies and children facing catastrophic injuries. Our clients gain access to the best medical care, financial security, and peace of mind, knowing their futures are protected.

Ongoing Client Support and Protection

Jeffrey Killino and his team of child and birth injury lawyers are committed to go beyond securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We measure our success by our positive impact on our clients’ lives. We’re dedicated to supporting them throughout their journey, even after their case is resolved.

Caring for Clients and the Community

Jeffrey Killino and his team of child and birth injury lawyers are committed to more than just securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We measure our success by our positive impact on our clients’ lives, helping them access the best medical care, achieve financial security, and find peace of mind. We also actively work to prevent injuries and promote safety for everyone.

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