When you go to a hospital or visit your doctor, you expect safe, competent care. Most of the time, that’s what you receive. But sometimes, medical mistakes happen—and when they do, they can leave patients with lifelong consequences.
For decades, California’s Medical Malpractice Law placed strict limits on what injured patients could recover, especially for non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. That all changed in 2023 with the passage of Assembly Bill 35 (AB 35).
This new law is one of the most significant reforms in nearly 50 years and gives San Gabriel Valley patients a fairer chance at justice when medical negligence causes harm.
What Is California’s Medical Malpractice Law?
California’s Medical Malpractice Law, originally known as the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), was established in 1975 to control insurance costs for healthcare providers.
However, it also limited how much injured patients could recover for non-economic damages—like pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life to $250,000.
For nearly five decades, that number never changed despite inflation, rising medical costs, and the growing financial burden on injured families.
What Changed Under AB 35 (2023 Reform)?
With AB 35, California finally modernized its Medical Malpractice Law. The new bill increased the caps on non-economic damages for the first time in almost half a century.
Here’s how it works:
$350,000 cap in cases not involving wrongful death
$500,000 cap in wrongful death cases
Over the next decade, these caps will gradually increase to:
- $750,000 (non-death cases)
- $1 million (wrongful death cases)
After that, annual inflation adjustments will apply.
This reform ensures fairer compensation for patients across California—including those in the San Gabriel Valley, home to major medical centers like Huntington Hospital, City of Hope, and Kaiser Permanente.
Why This Change Matters for San Gabriel Valley Patients
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
- Physical pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life,
- Long-term disability impacts.
What Should Patients Do After Suspected Malpractice?
If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by a medical mistake:
- Get a second opinion immediately. Ensure your current condition is being treated correctly.
- Request your medical records. They are essential evidence.
- Document your experience. Keep notes on symptoms, pain levels, and how your daily life is affected.
- Call an experienced attorney. Medical malpractice cases are complex and require strong legal guidance.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you gather expert testimony, calculate your damages, and protect your rights under the updated California Medical Malpractice Law (AB 35).
Call Doyle Accident & Injury Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Medical malpractice cases require both medical insight and legal precision. The team at Doyle Accident & Injury Attorneys understands how to navigate these challenging claims and ensure patients receive full compensation under California’s new Medical Malpractice Law. Call (626) 737-0036 today for a free case review. Their team can help you understand your rights, navigate the law, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Resources for Further Research
- California Legislative Information on AB 35: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- California Department of Consumer Affairs – Medical Board of California: www.mbc.ca.gov
- American Bar Association – Understanding Medical Malpractice: www.americanbar.org
- Doyle Accident & Injury Attorneys: doyleaccidentinjuryattorneys.com
