Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim Against the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs has faced public scrutiny and harsh criticisms for the past several years regarding the quality of care that our nation’s veterans receive. From long wait times to rushed appointments to denial of services, these problems have caused outrage both throughout the country and across our state. While dealing with widespread problems and long standing difficulties has become something that many veterans and their families have learned to live with, others are fighting back. Medical malpractice claims against the VA have become increasingly common, and payouts from these claims provide the assistance that veterans as well as their families need when recovering from the devastating effects of serious health conditions and long term disabilities that, in some cases, can prove fatal. If you or someone you love receives care through the Veterans Administration, the following is important information you need to be aware of regarding your rights to file a claim.
Claims Against The VA
According to a Bloomberg report on medical malpractice claims against the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency has paid out more than $9.7 million in claims filed by veterans who have suffered serious and sometimes fatal injuries as the result of medical negligence on the part of the VA. The most common causes listed for filed claims include the following:
- Missed or incorrect diagnosis, allowing conditions to worsen.
- Surgical errors, such as performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong body part.
- Treatment delays that prevent patients from seeing doctors before their condition has worsened.
As increasing numbers of veterans fuel the demand for treatment, budget cuts within the VA and management problems have resulted in understaffing. The situation came to a head in 2014, as media outlet reports on inadequacies in the system fueled a public outcry. Since that time, the agency has been under closer scrutiny, but preventable errors and service-related problems continue to prevent ailing and injured veterans from getting the care and service they need. Many vets face wait times as long as 90 days for an appointment, while time spent with physicians and medical providers is often rushed and inadequate.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Filing A Claim Against The VA
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, those who have suffered damages or injuries as the result of the actions or inactions of a government employee working through the VA may be entitled to financial compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act. While these cases can end up with an actual court hearing being held in the matter,
many are settled out of court. According to a report in the Daily Caller, the VA has made more than 4,000 out-of-court settlements with veterans over the last decade, with an average settlement award of $200,000 or more.
Contact Us for Help
If you or someone you care about has been injured as the result of a medication error or mistake in a VA hospital or other medical setting, contact our experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys today. At Anastopoulo Law Firm we can assist you in filing a claim for compensation for the damages you have suffered as a result of your injury, and help you to get the compensation you and your loved ones need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form