Attorney Spotlight: Stephen L. Belgum

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is your premier injury law firm in Southern California. Our team brings together a strong balance of experience and perspective, giving you the competitive edge when taking legal action.

In this attorney spotlight, meet Stephen L. Belgum, military veteran and owner of the Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen.

What made you decide to get into law?

Truth be told, I couldn’t get into medical school. I just couldn’t pass chemistry so I tried my luck with the law. I graduated law school in 1972, passed the bar that same year and have been practicing ever since, so I’d say it turned out alright. 

What is your most vivid memory of law school?

I remember playing a lot of pinball and poker in the law school lounge.

What practice areas do you specialize in?

I’ve had a lot of experience in nearly every area of personal injury over my career, but my favorite cases to take on are the dependent adult and elder abuse ones. They can be some of toughest and saddest to see, but these victims truly need an advocate. These are the cases that matter the most to the clients, and matter the most to me. I’m proud of the work we do for them.

Describe one of your most rewarding and fulfilling cases.

One of my most rewarding cases would have to be with a young woman suffering from spina bifida who came to us having been abused while under the care of a physician at a skilled nursing facility. After years of hard work, we were able to entirely change her life. We saw her finally able to make a recovery and the settlement we earned allowed her to get into her own home that was outfitted to accommodate her special needs, she was able to buy her own car, and she was set up with an income for life.

What is the largest settlement or award you have secured for a client?

The settlement for that same dependent adult abuse case was $3 million+. Such a gratifying outcome for a great person.

What is the single most helpful piece of advice you can give to a client?

One of the first things I tell a client, and say over and over again, is to be honest and don’t exaggerate. We’re all simply looking for the truth here.

One fun fact that clients might not know about you:

Something not many people know about me is I worked my way through college and law school by driving an ambulance. There were no paramedics back then, so this guy Ralph and I were the entire ambulance crew. Best job I ever had. It gave me a lifetime of stories to tell.

Quick, a restaurant recommendation in the area:

Taste of Asia in La Verne is a go-to of mine. I love Asian cuisine and you really can’t go wrong ordering there.

Favorite place to vacation?

A few years back, my wife and I took a trip to Greece. What a beautiful country. The history, culture, food, really everything was wonderful to experience in person. Athens was especially great.

Hobbies and pastimes?

Golf and my grandkids are what I like to fill my time with the most these days. I have six grandchildren ranging from ages five to 15 and they are the coolest kids I know.

What are you most passionate about?

Same as above. I especially love when those passions come together and I get to watch my grandkids participate in sports. Softball, track, gymnastics, swimming; You name it, they play it. Watching them takes me right back to when I watched my own daughters step into the batter’s box. So many good memories made rooting these kids on.

Learn more about Stephen and the rest of the team at the Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen here.