Medical Malpractice at
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center

The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix serves as a critical healthcare hub for more than 85,000 veterans across central Arizona. As a major VA medical facility, it provides comprehensive services including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, cancer treatment, and specialized veteran support programs. Medical errors and negligence can occur despite the generally appropriate care most veterans receive.

If medical malpractice occurs at this facility, veterans must file claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These cases require knowledge of medical standards and federal law. Our firm's doctor-attorney leadership and dedicated VA malpractice team provide unique expertise, having recovered over $145 million for veterans and military families.

Established in 1951, the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center serves as the flagship facility for the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Located at 650 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, this teaching hospital is affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, training future healthcare providers.

The medical center offers comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, cardiology, cancer treatment, dental care, and specialized programs for veterans. Director Michael Welsh, FACHE, leads the facility as it expands services and adapts to modern healthcare challenges, including COVID-19 modifications.

• Surgical Errors: Operating room mistakes at the Phoenix VA can include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. These often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about VA surgical errors in Arizona →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The busy emergency department faces challenges that can lead to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or failure to properly monitor patients. Veterans may experience worsened conditions due to these errors. Learn more about VA emergency room errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: Delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in cancer and cardiac cases, can have devastating consequences. These errors often stem from rushed appointments or inadequate follow-up procedures. Learn more about VA misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Improper medication management, incorrect dosing, or harmful drug interactions can cause serious injury. These errors are particularly concerning in complex cases involving multiple prescriptions.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office detailing the injury and damages claimed.

For Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center claims, the administrative claim must be filed with:

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel 3333 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or no response is received after six months, 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 Arizona →

Arizona's statute of limitations for medical malpractice (A.R.S. § 12-542) generally allows two years to file claims, aligning with FTCA requirements. While Arizona does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, FTCA claims must still follow federal guidelines for damages. You need experienced legal counsel to navigate these complex state and federal regulations.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Phoenix. This claim must detail your injury and damages with supporting medical documentation. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial initial filing.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center?

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

Can I sue Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which makes the federal government the proper defendant. The process requires first exhausting administrative remedies through the VA.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center?

FTCA claims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be awarded against the federal government.

Do I need an Arizona attorney for my Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm handles VA malpractice cases nationwide and can represent you regardless of where you currently reside.

What happens if the VA denies my initial claim?

If your administrative claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. This litigation phase requires extensive knowledge of both medical standards and federal court procedures.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Arizona facilities:

• Bob Stump VA Medical Center (Prescott) →
• Tucson VA Medical Center (Tucson) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, you have important legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and procedures you must follow. You have two years from the date of the negligent incident to file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can proceed with a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with medical malpractice at the Phoenix VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable to your case. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the unique legal requirements of FTCA claims against the VA. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and articulate how the VA's negligence caused your injuries in terms that both courts and medical experts will understand.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages related to your injuries. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and their families, this can also include costs for long-term care, medical equipment, and modifications needed for your home due to disability. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims against the VA do not allow for punitive damages.

If you or a family member received substandard care at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your options. During this consultation, they can assess whether your case meets the legal requirements for an FTCA claim and help you understand the next steps. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive - waiting too long to seek legal advice could jeopardize your right to compensation. Contact a qualified FTCA attorney today to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained through VA medical negligence.

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

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