attorney who could handle lawsuit against veterans hospital

by Ken Feil 8 min read

As doctors and lawyers, the attorneys of The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates are in a unique position to help victims of VA medical malpractice to understand their injuries and advise them of their legal options. For more than 30 years, we have focused on handling cases in this complex area of the law.

Full Answer

Should you hire a Veterans Affairs medical malpractice lawyer?

Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital Malpractice Lawsuit. In the last decade, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals have paid over $200 million to resolve 1,000 lawsuits involving malpractice. If you or your family member is a veteran who received poor medical care or suffered an injury at the hands of a negligent doctor, you may be entitled to compensation.

How do I file a Veterans Affairs medical malpractice lawsuit?

Jun 05, 2017 · Your Veterans Affairs medical malpractice lawyer knows what evidence is key to winning your lawsuit. A second opinion of your injuries can help your claim. Generally, your Veterans Affairs medical malpractice lawyer will work closely with a doctor outside the VA to provide medical reports detailing how the VA’s negligence caused or made your injuries worse.

Can I sue a VA hospital for malpractice?

Help for Victims of Medical Malpractice at VA Hospitals If you suspect you were the victim of medical malpractice in the VA system, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At Joye Law Firm, we can review your case information for free to determine if you may have a viable claim.

Can I file a lawsuit against the VA?

Mar 17, 2022 · But here are some case results our VA medical malpractice lawyers have gotten against the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically: $21,592,643 Trial Judgment Veterans Affairs Stroke Misdiagnosis $21,592,643.03 trial judgment $15,884,511.98 in trust for clients with lifetime benefits $5,398,160.76 attorneys’ fees $309,970.29 litigation expenses Farley v.

Can the VA hospital be sued for malpractice?

Can You Sue the VA for Medical Malpractice? The FTCA allows veterans and their families to file a medical malpractice claim against VA doctors and employees if their negligent care caused an injury. "Negligence" means the lack of ordinary care. "Medical malpractice" means negligence committed by a medical professional.

Is it possible to sue the VA?

You may be able to sue the VA if you have been the victim of medical malpractice. If you or a family member have suffered serious personal injuries as a result of the negligence of a federal employee, you may be able to bring a claim against the Department of Veterans Affairs.Mar 17, 2022

How do I file a tort claim against the VA?

The first step is to file an administrative FTCA claim with the VA. This is done using Standard Form 95, Claim for Damage, Injury or Death. The statute of limitations for filing this claim is two years from the time of injury. Unlike most other VA claims, you do not file this application with your VA regional office.

How do I file a VA 1151 claim?

Claiming service connection for a condition under 38 USC § 1151 is similar to claiming service connection in other ways. Veterans will submit a VA Form 21-526, a claim for VA disability compensation, to start the process. When filing, veterans should specify that they are claiming their condition as an 1151 claim.

Can you sue the VA for discrimination?

If you think you've experienced discrimination at VA or in a VA-funded program, you can file a complaint with our external complaints program.Dec 15, 2021

Can a veteran sue the military?

Can Active-Duty Military Service Members Sue the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force? They cannot sue, but they can bring an administrative claim under Richard Stayskal Medical Accountability Act.Apr 29, 2021

What are the 3 types of tort?

Tort lawsuits are the biggest category of civil litigation and can encompass a wide range of personal injury cases. However, there are 3 main types: intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.

What are some examples of tort law?

What are Some Examples of Torts?Civil assault or civil battery, depending on the facts of the case.Intentional infliction of emotional distress.False imprisonment.Trespass to land (real property) or trespass to chattels (personal property)Products liability.Wrongful death.Defamation.Invasion of privacy.More items...•Oct 7, 2020

What is an SF 95?

Standard Form 95 is used to present claims against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) for property damage, personal injury, or death allegedly caused by a federal employee's negligence or wrongful act or omission occurring within the scope of the employee's federal employment.Nov 16, 2021

What disqualifies you from VA benefits?

If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.Jan 18, 2022

Does the VA pay for pain and suffering?

VA can now award service connection for chronic pain that lacks a specific diagnosis, as long as that pain is connected to an event that occurred or symptom that appeared while the veteran was on active duty. Furthermore, the veteran's chronic pain must cause functional impairment or loss.Aug 26, 2019

Can the VA help me get a car?

The automobile grant is a tax-free benefit available for veterans who buy a new or used vehicle and have service-connected disabilities including: Loss, or permanent loss of use of one or both feet. Loss, or permanent loss of use of one or both hands.Oct 4, 2021

How to file a lawsuit against the VA?

If the agency refuses, makes no response, or offers a settlement that is unacceptable, then a lawsuit can be filed. To file a lawsuit, you must complete a Standard Form 95 and submit it to your local courthouse.

What are the damages for medical malpractice in VA hospitals?

These damages include: Economic Damages: Provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, anticipated medical costs, etc. Non-Economic Damages: Provides compensation ...

What is the Feres doctrine?

Feres Doctrine: The Feres Doctrine is a legal concept restricting active duty military members, ROTC cadets, Guardsmen on order, Public Health Service officers, and Temporary Disability Retired List members from suing the VA. The Feres Doctrine may not apply to a spouse or dependent.

Who is Charles Brown?

Charles Brown is a life member of the Texas Bar Foundation. Charles Brown & Bonnie Christie selected as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers a Thompson Reuters company. 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019. Charles Brown awarded membership in the Elite Lawyers of America club. 2011.

What to expect when hiring a VA malpractice lawyer?

If you hire a Veterans Affairs medical malpractice lawyer, it is likely that they will work with medical experts. These medical experts may review your medical documents and write reports detailing how the VA committed medical malpractice. Law is all about providing evidence.

What is VA disability?

An aggravation of an existing injury or disease, AND. The disability was: The direct result of VA fault such as carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, or error in judgment, OR. Not a reasonably expected result or complication of the VA care or treatment OR.

How much does a VA disability pay?

Veterans who are eligible for VA disability benefits can receive over $2,900 a month. Some veterans may obtain monthly payments for VA Aid and Attendance veterans disability benefits, dependent children payments, and dependent parents payments.

What is the eligibility for VA disability?

Eligibility guidelines for Section 1151 VA disability claims: You must be a veteran. You must have a disabling condition that is the result of or has been aggravated due to VA sponsored medical treatment or training.

Can a nurse be a medical malpractice claim?

You have been injured by a VA medical professional: Any medical professional can be the subject of a medical malpractice claim. This includes any medical professional that is employed by the VA and their outreach programs.

Can a VA claim be filed for medical malpractice?

Unfortunately, the VA medical malpractice laws do not favor veterans enough. VA medical malpractice claims are generally only filed if there were significant injuries or serious negligence.

What is VA malpractice?

A VA Hospital medical malpractice lawyer can help if you or someone you care about was the victim of professional negligence. Millions of armed forces veterans and active duty military receive treatment at these government run hospitals. A medical mistake can result in serious harm and even death.

What to do if you are a victim of medical malpractice?

If you or someone you care about is the victim of medical malpractice at a Veterans Administration Hospital or VA clinic, call our law office immediately. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers will start working on your case immediately to make sure the required procedures are followed to bring your case.

How old is the Marine who was injured in the Iraq War?

A 33-year-old former U.S. Marine and Iraq War Veteran received his medical care from a Veterans Administration Hospital in Michigan. During his visits, he complained of pain and problems in his neck.

Types of Injuries Caused by VA Malpractice

A recent CNN investigation of the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia revealed that as many as 52 out of 280 cases of gastrointestinal cancer were “associated with a delay in diagnoses and treatment.” Evidence from the investigation indicated that it is likely that more than 20 patients died of cancer because they had to wait too long to be diagnosed at this facility..

Help for Victims of Medical Malpractice at VA Hospitals

If you suspect you were the victim of medical malpractice in the VA system, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At Joye Law Firm, we can review your case information for free to determine if you may have a viable claim.

How Do I Sue Veterans Affairs?

To recover against the VA for VA Medical Malpractice you must first present an administrative claim against the VA before you can file suit against the United States of America. When filing suit against the United States for injuries from medical malpractice at a VA hospital, individuals must follow the strict rules of the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Should I File a Claim Myself?

You can file a claim yourself, but it is much better to work with an experienced VA medical malpractice lawyer. We know from reported settlements that veterans represented by lawyers recover two times (or more) as much as those who submit FTCA claims without lawyers.

Case Results

You can see all of our Veterans Administration lawsuits on our case results page. We also have managed to get results all across the United States. But here are some case results our VA medical malpractice lawyers have gotten against the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically:

What is a medical malpractice lawsuit?

The lawsuit is filed with a legal pleading called the Complaint. The Complaint states the specific facts of your case, which is specifically the course of your care and treatment that serves as the basis for your claim. It also states the various acts of medical negligence you contend were committed by the doctors, nurses, and hospitals.

What to do if you believe you were harmed by medical negligence?

If you believe you were harmed by medical negligence, the first step is to get a full and complete set of your medical records. An analysis of your care and treatment is based primarily on your medical chart.

Who should report claims against the government?

All potential claims against the United States government and its agencies should be reported by the Department of Justice and all other government agencies. Although not required, the use of government-approved Form 95 is a convenient way to report the claim.

What happens if you don't pay your claim?

If it does not pay your claim or if you cannot agree on a dollar settlement amount, you can file your civil lawsuit. The lawsuit must be filed at a federal courthouse. 12. Beware of Statute of Limitations.

Can a lawyer represent you?

Everything will be in your records so there is no reason to hide anything. A lawyer cannot represent you unless you have been forthright on all issues in the past.

What is VA Form 10-5345?

VA Form 10-5345 provides a list of the different portions of your medical chart that can be requested. You will want the entire medical chart from the date of your first treatment to the present time. It is important to have your complete medical history dating back as far as possible to fully determine if you have a case.

Can a VA hospital make copies of medical records?

Medical facilities cannot legally make you copies or send your medical records unless you have signed a signed authorization. For VA hospitals and clinics, you should use VA Form 10-5345.

What are some examples of emergency room negligence?

Examples of emergency room negligence include: Misreading charts, x-rays, or MRIs. Failing to diagnose a condition. Making an incorrect or delayed diagnosis. Making medication errors.

What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional provides treatment that deviates from accepted standards of care within the medical community, thereby causing injury to a patient. If a doctor, surgeon, hospital, or another party was medically negligent, they may be liable for any ensuing losses.

What is post operative care?

Postoperative care refers to the monitoring and subsequent care that a patient receives following surgery. Medical professionals are responsible for monitoring their patients for complications that might arise from surgery, preventing and treating infections, monitoring vital signs, providing detailed instructions for post-surgical care, and correctly prescribing medicine to aid in the healing process. If a doctor fails to properly monitor a patient or identify symptoms after surgery, they may be liable for malpractice.

Can a hospital be sued for malpractice?

In some cases, the hospital itself may be liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Hospitals must adequately evaluate prospective employees. That includes evaluating their prior experience, certifications, and level of education.

What is a breach of duty?

Breach of Duty: The physician must have violated their duty to the patient.

Can a hospital be held liable for medical malpractice?

Failure to meet these and other standards may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. In addition, hospitals can be held vicariously liable if an employee or staff member causes injury to a patient, provided the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time the negligent act took place.

Can MRIs be misused?

Medical devices such as MRIs are used routinely to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. However, they can be misused and result in serious injuries or even death. In addition, manufacturers can be liable for manufacturing defects, design defects, and inadequate warnings.

Why are hospitals being sued?

Lawsuits are filed against hospitals for a wide variety of reasons. As previously mentioned, negligence and malpractice are the most common. Some lawsuits may be for small or one-time incidents, while others are for larger or more far-reaching incidents.

What is hospital negligence?

Hospital negligence may be direct, such as: Losing, mishandling, or unlawfully transferring confidential patient records. Disregard of proper medical care standards. Due to the specific nature of a hospital environment, injuries that result in a lawsuit against the hospital often involve different areas of the law.

What are the consequences of hospital negligence?

Hospital negligence may be direct, such as: 1 Failing to ensure that all staff meet required standards for licensing, training, and education; 2 Not maintaining sufficient staff to ensure appropriate levels of patient care; and/or 3 Losing, mishandling, or unlawfully transferring confidential patient records.

What is negligence in medical malpractice?

Negligence is based on a person’s failure to do something, rather than their actual actions. However, lawsuits against hospitals may involve various legal claims and theories besides negligence. Lawsuits involving hospitals are most commonly related to some sort of medical malpractice.

What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice refers to the negligence of a healthcare professional resulting in the injury of a patient with whom they have, or previously had, a professional relationship. Under the corporate negligence doctrine, the hospital itself may be held responsible for a mistake made by a doctor or other staff employed by the hospital.

Is a doctor considered an independent contractor?

While some doctors are employees of the hospital, many are actually legally considered to be independent contractors. This is generally the case with surgeons. What this means is that if a patient is injured while in the doctor’s care at the hospital, the hospital is not legally responsible for the injury.

Can a hospital be sued for medical malpractice?

Due to the specific nature of a hospital environment, injuries that result in a lawsuit against the hospital often involve different areas of the law. Each state has its own specific laws meant to govern medical malpractice, as well as what is required to bring a lawsuit against a hospital.

What happens if you sue a doctor?

When you sue the doctor or hospital, you will often be dealing with their insurance company. In rare cases, a doctor may lose their license or go to jail. Or, a hospital could be shut down. But generally, you are suing their insurance company to compensate you for your suffering.

What do you need to prove medical malpractice?

You may need medical records, dates, records of the job-related mistakes, and more to help prove your case. Your personal injury attorney will handle the medical malpractice lawsuit and will tell you exactly what they need. Without their expertise, it can be hard to know what information is relevant.

Can you go after a doctor for a misdiagnosis?

You may think that because your doctor made a mistake, like a misdiagnosis, you need to go after your doctor in a legal case. This will depend on a few factors:

Can you sue a hospital?

Suing a Hospital Is Different From Other Medical Malpractice Cases. In some cases, you can sue a hospital despite the doctor being an employee or a contractor. This might apply when: The hospital does not make it clear the doctor is not an employee (this is usually explained to you on the admission forms) You went to the emergency room (ER) and did ...