Medical Malpractice at
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital

The John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock serves as a cornerstone of veteran healthcare in Central Arkansas, providing essential medical services to those who have served our nation. As a Level 1a complexity facility affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, this hospital delivers a wide range of specialized care, from emergency services to complex surgical procedures.

Even with dedicated healthcare professionals, medical errors and negligence can happen at McClellan Memorial. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a claim against a VA facility requires specialized knowledge of both medical standards and federal law.

Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. Having recovered over $145 million for clients and with 25+ years of FTCA claim experience, we understand the medical and legal complexities of cases against the Little Rock VA hospital.

Located at 4300 West 7th Street in Little Rock, the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital serves as the flagship facility of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS). The Level 1a teaching hospital provides comprehensive medical care to veterans across Central Arkansas and neighboring states.

Dr. Margie Scott, Medical Center Director, oversees the facility's academic partnerships with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, supporting residency programs and specialized care. Key services include addiction treatment, audiology, cardiology, dermatology, emergency care, gastroenterology, and comprehensive surgical services.

The hospital offers both routine and specialized medical care to veterans, playing a vital role in Arkansas's VA healthcare network. Its designation as a Level 1a facility reflects its capability to handle the most complex medical cases and procedures.

• Surgical Errors: As a major surgical center, McClellan Memorial handles numerous complex procedures. Errors can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia mistakes. These often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's busy emergency department sees veterans with acute conditions requiring immediate care. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly monitor patients can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Errors: Veterans may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in complex specialties like cardiology or gastroenterology. These errors often stem from rushed examinations or failure to order appropriate tests. Understanding misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, or dangerous drug interactions can occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings. VA's electronic health record system, while designed to prevent such errors, isn't foolproof.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For claims involving care at McClellan Memorial, the administrative claim should be filed with: Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel (02) 1000 Main Street Little Rock, AR 72201

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. 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 →

While FTCA claims follow federal law, certain Arkansas legal principles may affect your case. Arkansas's medical malpractice statute of limitations (A.C.A. § 16-114-203) generally allows two years to file a claim, aligning with the FTCA's requirements. Unlike some states, Arkansas does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, potentially allowing for full compensation in FTCA cases.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Arkansas facilities:

• Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center (North Little Rock) →
• Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Fayetteville) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock, you have specific rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but you must carefully follow the established process and timelines.

You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This form must be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs with detailed documentation of your injuries and damages. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if you're not satisfied with the VA's response.

For cases involving the McClellan VA Hospital, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims against VA facilities. They can effectively analyze medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and articulate how these failures caused your injuries - all essential elements for a successful claim.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've experienced additional disability due to negligent care, compensation can also cover adaptive equipment and long-term care needs. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of support and services.

If you believe you've experienced medical negligence at the McClellan VA Hospital, you should consider having your case evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney as soon as possible. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. During this consultation, they can assess whether you have a viable claim and explain the specific steps needed to protect your rights. Remember, these cases have strict deadlines and procedural requirements, so timely action is essential to preserve your right to compensation.

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

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