Medical Malpractice at
Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee

The Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee serves as a vital healthcare resource for veterans throughout Alabama, providing essential medical services including primary care, specialty care, and mental health treatment. The facility opened in 1923 as Veterans Hospital No. 91 and now operates as part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS).

Medical errors and negligence occur despite the facility's commitment to quality care. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at the Tuskegee VA facility, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique team includes both a licensed physician and attorney who understands the complexities of VA medical malpractice claims. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for veterans, we have the expertise to evaluate potential malpractice at VA facilities like Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee.

The Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee is classified as a Level 2 (medium complexity) medical center within the VA Southeast Network (VISN 7). Located at 2400 Hospital Road in Tuskegee, this historic facility has been serving veterans for nearly a century, originally established to care for African American veterans during segregation.

Today, the medical center offers a comprehensive range of services including audiology, cardiology, dental care, dermatology, gastroenterology, gynecology, hematology, and mental health services. The facility maintains various specialty clinics and outpatient services designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of Alabama's veteran population.

The Tuskegee campus is part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System and provides accessible healthcare to veterans throughout the region. The facility coordinates with other VA healthcare providers to maintain continuous care for Alabama's veterans.

• Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are particularly concerning at VA facilities like Tuskegee, where staffing shortages can impact timely access to specialists. These errors can lead to delayed treatment and worsened conditions. Learn more about diagnosis errors →

• Mental Health Care Failures: Recent OIG reports have identified deficiencies in mental health care access at this facility. Inadequate psychiatric care, medication management errors, and failure to prevent self-harm are serious concerns. Learn more about mental health malpractice →

• Medication Errors: Documentation issues and care coordination problems can lead to dangerous medication errors. These may include incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or failure to monitor patients properly. Learn more about medication errors →

• Quality Management Issues: OIG investigations have revealed problems with quality management processes at this facility. This can result in systemic errors affecting patient care across multiple departments. Learn more about hospital negligence →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at the Tuskegee VA facility. This requires submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with detailed documentation of the negligent care and resulting damages.

File claims related to care at Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee with:

VA Regional Office 345 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six months pass without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Alabama →

While Alabama's medical malpractice laws include a two-year statute of limitations (Ala. Code § 6-5-482), FTCA claims follow federal deadlines instead. Alabama does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, which can affect the potential compensation in FTCA claims against the Tuskegee VA facility.

However, FTCA claims have their own specific requirements and limitations that differ from standard Alabama malpractice cases. For detailed information about state-specific considerations, visit our Alabama VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Office in Montgomery. This claim must include detailed documentation of the negligent care and resulting damages. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly filed and documented.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the United States government, not individual facilities or healthcare providers.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee?

The FTCA allows you to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to negligent care. Unlike some states, Alabama does not cap damage awards.

Do I need an Alabama attorney for my Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney with experience in both medicine and federal tort claims can significantly improve your chances of success. Our firm's doctor-attorney team handles FTCA cases in all 50 states.

How long will my Tuskegee VA malpractice claim take?

The process typically takes at least 8-12 months, including the mandatory 6-month VA review period. If a federal lawsuit becomes necessary, the timeline may extend to several years.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Alabama facilities:

• Birmingham VA Medical Center (Birmingham) →
• Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery (Montgomery) →
• Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (Tuscaloosa) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee, you have important legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a federal lawsuit.

For veterans and military families in the Tuskegee area, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to the success of your FTCA claim. A doctor-attorney understands both the complex medical issues involved in VA care and the specific legal requirements of FTCA cases. They can properly evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. This dual expertise is especially important given the unique challenges of proving negligence in a federal facility.

Through an FTCA claim against the Tuskegee VA, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. If a veteran died due to VA negligence, certain family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. The specific amount depends on factors like the severity of harm, impact on quality of life, and economic losses.

You don't have to navigate this complex process alone. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your potential claim against the Tuskegee VA. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your legal options, and help determine if you have a viable case - all at no cost to you. Given the strict deadlines and complexity of FTCA claims, it's important to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after discovering potential malpractice. Don't wait until it's too late to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Alabama:

• Alabama Surgical Errors Cases →
• Alabama Emergency Room Errors Cases →
• Alabama Brain Injury Cases →
• Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Cases →
• Alabama Misdiagnosis Cases →
• Alabama Medication Errors Cases →