The Fayetteville VA Medical Center, also known as the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, is a key healthcare facility for veterans in Northwest Arkansas, Southwestern Missouri, and Eastern Oklahoma. Located at 1100 North College Avenue, this comprehensive medical center provides essential services including primary care, specialty care, and mental health treatment to our nation's veterans.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at this facility, despite most veterans receiving quality care. If veterans are harmed by poor care at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) gives them the right to seek compensation. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and military medical malpractice law.
Our law firm is led by a licensed attorney and medical doctor, giving us unique medical and legal expertise in VA malpractice cases. With experience handling FTCA claims against VA facilities nationwide and strong medical knowledge, we can assess and pursue claims against the Fayetteville VA Medical Center when care standards are not met.
Overview of Fayetteville VA Medical Center Services
The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks is a full-service VA Medical Center that provides complete healthcare to veterans in a tri-state region. The facility features modern medical technology and specialized departments including audiology, cardiology, critical care, dental services, dermatology, gastroenterology, and gynecology.
This medical center plays a vital role in Arkansas's VA healthcare network, serving as the primary VA facility for veterans in the northwestern region of the state. Recent improvements include an expanded pathology laboratory and enhanced diagnostic services following a comprehensive system review in 2019.
An acting Medical Center Director leads the facility, which employs healthcare professionals across multiple specialties. Veterans from urban and rural communities across the tri-state area can easily access the Fayetteville location.
Common Types of Malpractice at Fayetteville VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: At the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical error claims →
Diagnostic Failures: Veterans at this facility may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in critical areas like cancer detection or cardiac conditions. The consequences can be severe when time-sensitive conditions go unrecognized. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: Improper medication management, including incorrect dosing or dangerous drug interactions, can occur in various departments. These errors are often related to understaffing or inadequate medication reconciliation processes.
Emergency Care Delays: The facility's urgent care services can experience delays in treatment or inappropriate patient transfers, potentially leading to worsened conditions. Learn more about emergency care errors →
Laboratory Testing Errors: Following the 2019 pathology review, particular attention has been focused on accuracy in diagnostic testing and lab result reporting. Errors in this area can lead to incorrect treatment decisions.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Fayetteville VA Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.
Claims must be filed with: Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks 1100 North College Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72703
The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. The VA then has six months to review and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires 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 Arkansas →
Arkansas Legal Considerations for Fayetteville VA Medical Center Claims
Arkansas medical malpractice law (A.C.A. § 16-114-203) typically requires claims to be filed within two years of the incident. However, FTCA claims against the Fayetteville VA Medical Center follow federal law rather than state limitations. While Arkansas does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, FTCA claims are subject to federal regulations regarding damages.
How to File Your Malpractice Claim
How do I file a malpractice claim against Fayetteville VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury, and must include specific documentation of your damages.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Fayetteville VA Medical Center?
Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.
Can I sue Fayetteville VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first exhausting administrative remedies through the VA claims process.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Fayetteville VA Medical Center?
Compensable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.
Do I need an Arkansas attorney for my Fayetteville VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. These cases involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that require specialized expertise.
How long does the VA take to investigate malpractice claims?
The VA has six months to investigate and respond to administrative claims. If they fail to respond or deny the claim, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Arkansas
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Arkansas facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Arkansas, you have the right to pursue a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed precisely. You must file your claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury caused by VA medical care. Once you file the administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the VA has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
When pursuing an FTCA claim against the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, working with an attorney who has both medical and legal expertise is crucial. Medical malpractice cases involving veterans' healthcare are highly complex, requiring detailed understanding of both VA medical procedures and federal tort law. A doctor-attorney can properly evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate these issues to the court.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses related to the injury, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For veterans with service-connected disabilities who experienced additional harm due to VA medical negligence, the impact on your quality of life and ability to work will be carefully considered when calculating damages.
The Veterans Affairs healthcare system in Arkansas serves thousands of veterans, but when negligence occurs, you deserve proper representation to protect your rights. Our team offers free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your options under the FTCA. During this consultation, we'll review your medical records, explain the claims process, and discuss how we can help prove that the VA's negligence caused your injuries. Don't wait to seek help - the two-year statute of limitations means time is critical in preserving your right to compensation. Contact us today to speak with an experienced doctor-attorney who understands both the medical and legal aspects of VA malpractice cases.
Related Case Types in Arkansas
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Arkansas:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Fayetteville VA Medical Center claim
- 🩺Doctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Fayetteville VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Fayetteville VA Medical Center across all 50 states.
- 💰Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- 📅25+ Years of Experience
Our firm brings decades of experience to every case, understanding the nuances of federal litigation and the specific challenges of suing federal facilities.
- 🤝No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Fayetteville VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you may have a right to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Archuleta Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation to help you understand your legal options:
- Review your Fayetteville VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Fayetteville VA Medical Center
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Fayetteville VA Medical Center.