San Diego Wrongful Birth Lawyers
In wrongful birth lawsuits, parents of a child born with a disease or birth defect sue either the healthcare professional or hospital if genetic testing was not done, was not done properly, or was misread. Parents can also sue in situations where negligent genetic counseling misinformed them regarding the chances of a fetus developing abnormally or in situations where either an ultrasound or a sonogram was misread entirely. These differ from wrongful life cases in which the claim is asserted by the person born with the birth defect.
At The McClellan Law Firm, we represent parents in these complex cases. If you would like to discuss your case with a member of our award-winning law firm, contact us today: (619) 215-1488.
Elements That Must Be Proven in Wrongful Birth Claims
Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to inform expecting parents of potential risks or complications regarding their pregnancy; should they fail to do so, they could expose themselves to a medical malpractice lawsuit. This is even truer in situations where parents reach out to professionals specifically for genetic testing.
To establish a wrongful birth claim in California, the following must be proven:
- The defendant failed to diagnose / warn the plaintiff of the risk of a child being born with a genetic impairment / disability—or the defendant failed to perform tests / advise the plaintiff of tests that would likely let the plaintiff learn of the risk of a child being born with a genetic impairment / disability.
- The child was born with a genetic impairment / disability.
- If the plaintiff had known about the genetic impairment / disability, the mother would not have conceived the child or would not have carried the fetus to term.
- The defendant’s negligence substantially caused the plaintiff to have extraordinary expenses.
What Damages Can Be Won in Wrongful Birth Cases?
In wrongful birth cases, parents may be awarded financial compensation to cover items such as:
- The medical costs of caring for a child with a terrible disease or serious birth defect; and
- The costs of tuition for special schools for children with learning disabilities.
- Emotional distress experienced the parents in learning of / living with the child’s disease or birth defect.
This financial compensation will not cover the costs typically associated with raising a child; instead, they will only cover these costs that are specific to children born with a disease or birth defect.
Turn to Our San Diego Injury Lawyers: (619) 215-1488
At The McClellan Law Firm, we have helped parents with these cases before, assisting parents whose child was born with Canavan disease, cystic fibrosis, and even helping parents whose child was born with no arms. We have experience in navigating through this complex area of the law, and we are ready to guide your family through it. If you are looking for a battle-tested law firm that you can trust to look out for your best interests, do not hesitate to contact us today.
We offer completely free and confidential case evaluations.
For over 30 years, The McClellan Law Firm has been dedicated to helping clients across California secure justice and protect their futures. Founded by renowned attorney Craig R. McClellan, the firm has earned a reputation for excellence and integrity in the legal field. With decades of experience and a commitment to achieving results, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional representation and unwavering support to every client we serve.
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Craig McClellan is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States. -
Craig McClellan was voted Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation by Best Lawyers for 2025.
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The firm earned a Tier 1 ranking in Personal Injury in the 2025 list of the Best Law Firms.
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Craig McClellan earned one of the top 10 medical malpractice settlements in California, securing a $9,000,000 settlement for a client.
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Craig McClellan & Conor Hulburt earned one of the top 10 premises liability settlements in California, securing a $3,175,850 settlement for a client.
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Craig McClellan has been selected to the list of Super Lawyers every year since 2007, and earned the most votes of ANY lawyer for 2019 in San Diego.
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Craig McClellan was voted Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation by Best Lawyers for 2019.
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Craig McClellan is listed as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators in Business Litigation, Personal Injury, and Product Liability.
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Attorney McClellan has a 10/10 “Superb” rating, the highest rating an attorney can receive from Avvo.
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The firm has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the highest possible rating offered by the organization.
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Attorney McClellan is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, and previously served on its Board of Directors.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named as one of the “Best Attorneys” by the Los Angeles Times.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named one of the “Best Lawyers” by San Diego Metro.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named one of the Top Lawyers in San Diego in Business Litigation by San Diego Magazine.
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Craig McClellan has been named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, which honors the nation’s top advocates.
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“I swear they work 24/7! And most importantly, we knew that they truly cared about us and the outcome. They fought for our family and have given us the piece of mind that our son's healthcare will always be covered.”S.P.
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“We will NEVER forget what you did for us Craig. We are FOREVER GRATEFUL.”K.V.
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“We wouldn’t be here, in this moment of life without the kindness and professionalism of you all and how you went to bat for us! Eternally grateful!”A.K.