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Veteran Medical Malpractice
Concerns have been raised about the conditions in Veteran Administration (VA) hospitals. Poor cleaning practices and even vermin that could potentially spread infection have been found in some VA hospitals. Inspectors have found that some staff members are not properly supervised. False reports have been filed by some employees claiming essential medical devices like defibrillators have been checked and maintained, when in fact they have not. Supervisors have been found missing when they were supposed to be working, and supervisors have been accused of giving their computer passwords to resident physicians, allowing them to cosign their own reports without supervision.
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Veteran Medical Malpractice: True Stories and Interviews
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VA Medical Malpractice: Discrimination?
 Sherry W. has been getting the run-around from her VA hospital, to the point where she is now considering a VA medical malpractice lawsuit. Meanwhile, her condition is worsening. "This is more than an inconvenience, even for my husband-- we haven't had sex in more than six months," says Sherry. [ MORE: VETERAN DISCRIMINATION]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: “A Terrible Story”
Patients who go into Veterans' Affairs hospitals expect that they will receive proper care and that the problems they go in with will be treated. However, as Darren C. found out, sometimes what you come out with is far worse than what you went in with. [ MORE: TERRIBLE VETERAN MALPRACTICE]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: "Putting a Band-Aid on Broken Bones"
 Medical malpractice is a serious issue for any patient, but when the patient who suffers is a veteran, one who has been treated by Veterans Affairs, the issue seems even more outrageous. Especially when that patient was a prisoner of war and one who has repeatedly suffered from misdiagnosis, ignored complaints and botched surgeries. [ MORE: MALPRACTICE BAND AID]
Cause of Death: Veteran Medical Malpractice
 Peggy Satchel's husband went through eight hours of back surgery at the VA hospital in Tucson. That was nothing compared to what he went through as a result: the coroner reported that cause of death was septic shock and pneumonia. Peggy believes cause of death was veteran medical malpractice. He was only 57 years old. [ MORE: CAUSE OF DEATH?]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: From Hand to Foot
 Marine Corps veteran Michael Sweitzer volunteered to set up a kitchen right after Hurricane Katrina. But he has been unable to work since due to an accident and subsequent surgery at a VA hospital. Larry Hughes also had surgery at a VA hospital that has so far caused him five years of misery. [ MORE: MALPRACTICE - HAND TO FOOT]
More Lawsuits Filed Alleging Medical Malpractice by Veterans Affairs
 Veterans and their families are filing medical malpractice lawsuits against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) alleging veterans are subjected to sub-standard treatment while in the care of VA hospitals. The lawsuits involve both physical and psychological injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, the VA is coming under fire for how it treats veterans who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder after their tour of duty. [ MORE: LAWSUITS FILED]
Medical Malpractice: Another Veteran Suffers
 Frank was incorrectly diagnosed with end stage congestive heart failure and end stage coronary artery disease. Two years ago, he was given six months to live. Now, he's stuck with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, he's lost his house and he has never been properly diagnosed or treated for his heart condition. [ MORE: ANOTHER VETERAN SUFFERS]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: A State of Uncaring
 Daryl's father, Wendell, served in Japan and worked for the federal government. Whenever he had health problems he went to a Veterans' Administration Hospital. Around five years ago, Wendell began having chest pains. As usual he went to the VA Hospital where he was treated for acid reflux and other stomach issues. [ MORE: STATE OF UNCARING]
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Information on Veteran Medical Malpractice
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 At least 63 cases of malpractice have been found between 1997 and 2002, that resulted because of the failure of a supervisor to oversee residents. These cases including misdiagnosis, surgical and medication errors, and inadequate care.
Veterans or their family who have been injured or suffered negligence at a VA hospital may sue the US government under the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA).
Some hospitals have adopted a so-called "apology law" whereby they admit their mistakes immediately and negotiate with the victims for very low settlements. While this does give the family some short term financial gains, lawsuit settlements are typically 6 to 28 times greater than what hospitals are offering.
If you have experienced injury or substandard care at a VA hospital, It is highly recommended you consult an attorney experienced in VA medical malpractice claims, as the process is very tricky and one missed deadline, could cost you your right to monetary recovery for your injury.
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Read More About Veteran Medical Malpractice
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Veteran Affairs Medical Malpractice: Highlighting Problems with the VA
The poor care that veterans receive from Veterans Affairs medical centers has once again been thrust into the spotlight after a doctor who worked at a VA center had his license revoked amid allegations of medical malpractice. Critics argue that this latest controversy proves that the VA is not properly treating its patients and veterans. Meanwhile, veterans upset at being subjected to repeated medical errors, are filing lawsuits alleging medical malpractice on the part of the VA. [ MORE: LICENSE REVOKED]
Veteran Medical Malpractice Complaints Extend to Psychiatric Wards
Veteran medical malpractice and mistreatment concerns extend into psychiatric units at Veterans Affairs hospitals. In some cases, the care of patients in psychiatric units is worse than in other units, resulting in more lawsuits filed against VA hospitals claiming doctors and medical staff are negligent in their treatment of veterans. [ MORE: PSYCHIATRIC MALPRACTICE COMPLAINTS]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: Navigating a Complicated System Part II
 Not all errors in hospitals are the result of medical malpractice. In order for medical malpractice to occur a physician or other health care professional has to have treated a patient in a manner that deviates from a reasonable standard of care. An injury or death that results from substandard care is generally considered medical malpractice. Some of the more common causes of medical malpractice errors in diagnosing, surgical complications, errors in medications, failure to receive informed consent, and failure to provide treatment. [ MORE: COMPLICATED SYSTEM P.II]
Veteran Affairs Malpractice: VA Hospitals facing Higher Patient Numbers
 Some veterans who are treated at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals have complained that they have been victims of medical malpractice. They have pointed to long wait times, overworked staff, and poor standards of care as part of the problem. [ MORE: VETERAN AFFAIRS MALPRACTICE]
Veteran Medical Malpractice: Navigating a Complicated System
 Some veterans who were treated at VA hospitals have complained that they suffered long wait times to see a doctor and poor standards of care while in VA hospitals. Part of the problem could be that medical staff at VA centers are overworked. Unfortunately, the problem is likely to get worse as the number of wounded soldiers coming home gets higher and higher. Those who do not return to active duty often become part of the VA system. [ MORE: COMPLICATED SYSTEM P.I]
Veterans: No guarantees they won't Suffer Medical Malpractice
 Over the past three years, VA hospitals have been under increasing scrutiny due to low-quality health care. Problems at VA hospitals include a higher death rate for heart patients than at non-VA hospitals, not meeting safety or environmental standards, falsely reporting equipment checks, lack of life-saving equipment, and unlocked medication rooms. [ MORE: NO GUARANTEES]
Veteran Medical Malpractice
Unfortunately medical negligence can and does happen. If negligence by a doctor or other medical personnel occurred at a VA hospital, you are entitled to sue the US government under a federal law called the [Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)]. [ MORE: VETERAN MALPRACTICE]
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Veteran Medical Malpractice Press Releases
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APR-14-08: Families who have been adversely affected by Veterans medical malpractice and the often deplorable conditions at some VA hospitals, are hoping that new congressional funding for VA hospitals—the largest single infusion of cash in the 77-year-history of Veteran's Affairs—will finally eradicate the crisis, and give veterans of all ages and stripes their due. [ MORE: VETERAN MALPRACTICE]
 MAR-10-08: One would assume that putting one's life on the line for one's country would be met with obligations in kind, including top-notch health care after the veteran comes home. However, that appears not to be the case, as more reports of veteran malpractice at Veterans Affairs hospitals come to light. [ MORE: VETERAN FACE SHAMEFUL CONDUCT & MALRPACTICE]
FEB-13-08: James Hendryx served in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry; when he underwent emergency surgery for colon cancer in March 2006, though, the Veterans' Administration circled the wagons over covering his costs. If they VA had had its way, Hendryx would have paid more than $40,000 out of pocket for their own malpractice just a few months earlier. [ MORE: VIETNAM VETERAN EXPECTED TO PAY FOR MISTAKE]
 JUN-14-07: In addition to facing claims of Veteran medical malpractice, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now faces criticism that veterans are waiting too long for appointments, not being put on waiting lists when they should be, and waiting too long to be accepted to the VA system. [ MORE: VA SYSTEM AT BREAK POINT]
 MAY-09-07: In the 2006 fiscal year, the Judgment Fund of the U.S. Department of Treasury paid $67.1 million to settle Veterans Affairs malpractice claims across the United States. During that time 225 claims were settled for $23.8 million, 138 lawsuits cost the department $38.3 million and eight judgments cost $5 million. [ MORE: RIGHTS FOR VETERANS]
 APR-08-07: Yet another veteran reported having to wait seven hours for pain medication and having the dressing on his wound changed only twice in eight days after his surgery. He says he complained about a swollen leg and being unable to move it, but the leg was not treated until later, after an examination showed that he had a blood clot. [ MORE: VETERANS COME FORWARD]
OCT-10-07: In a recent decision by a Southern District judge, nine veterans will be allowed to sue the government for medical malpractice stemming from the treatment they received after being discharged from duty. [ MORE: VETERANS SUE GOVERNMENT]
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Veteran Medical Malpractice in the News:
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DEC-12-07: Lawsuits against the VA alleged that the medical records of dozens of veterans were altered to enroll the veterans in drug studies at the hospital. Although some of the cases were dismissed, the judge called the hospital’s conduct egregious and the government paid $500,000 to settle one of the lawsuits. [ TIMES UNION: VA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
DEC-04-07: A veteran has been diagnosed with advanced cancer after staff at a VA hospital failed to properly treat him. Now, the VA has also denied his claims for medical expenses related to treatment of the cancer. [ JOURNAL NOW: VETERAN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
DEC-04-07: Official findings from an investigation into the Marion VA and its hiring practices are expected to be released in January. According to the VA, 10 patients died under one doctor's care during his 20 months at the hospital. [ JOURNAL GAZETTE: VA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
NOV-21-07: Several veterans have come forward with stories of negligence and alleged malpractice at North Texas veteran's hospitals. Some have already sued and settled, some are planning lawsuits right now. [ MY FOX DALLAS: VETERAN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
SEP-24-07: Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama want answers from Veterans Affairs as to why a surgeon banned in Massachusetts for malpractice was hired at an Illinois VA Medical Center. The request stems from a recent rise in post-surgery deaths noted at the facility. [ BOSTON GLOBE: VA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
SEP-06-07: A man has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging he was treated negligently at a veterans' hospital. The plaintiff, who seeks $4 million in compensation, claims he suffered a heart attack because a physician's assistant refused to change his medication. [ RECORD: VETERAN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
AUG-01-07: The family of a veteran who committed suicide after he returned from combat in Iraq has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs and the secretary of Veterans affairs. A separate class-action lawsuit was filed by Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans United for Truth on behalf of hundreds of thousands of veterans who were denied medical benefits. [ POST-INTELLIGENCER: VETERANS AFFAIRS MALPRACTICE]
JUL-25-07: A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed naming the VA and the outgoing VA Secretary as defendants. The suit claims that an Iraq war veteran killed himself after being denied mental health care. [ EYEWITNESS NEWS: VETERAN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
MAY-25-07: A veteran has been admitted to a Veterans Affairs hospital with post-traumatic stress disorder. The man alleges he was subjected to racial slurs and medical neglect at the hands of the military. [ COUNTRY: VA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
MAY-10-07: An Iowa Navy veteran will file a lawsuit against a veterans hospital claiming that the hospital violated his rights by forcing their religious views on him. [ RADIO IOWA: VETERAN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
MAY-01-07: The VA paid more than $335,000 in bonuses to N.C. hospital managers even though they received reports of poor patient care and suspicious deaths. [ OBSERVER: VA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE]
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Veteran Medical Malpractice Legal Help
If you are a veteran and have suffered injuries or negligence at a VA hospital, please click the link below to submit your complaint to a veteran malpractice lawyer for a free claim evaluation.
Posted on Aug-24-06
Updated on Apr-14-08
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