Medical Malpractice at
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Loma Linda, California, serves as a vital healthcare facility for more than 78,000 veterans across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This VA Medical Center has been providing comprehensive medical care since 1977, offering services ranging from emergency care and surgical procedures to specialized cancer treatment and mental health services. Named after former U.S. Representative Jerry Lyle Pettis, a World War II Air Forces pilot, the facility maintains a commitment to serving those who served our nation.

Medical errors can occur at any healthcare institution, including VA hospitals, despite their commitment to quality care. When substandard medical care at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital results in preventable harm to veterans, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides the legal pathway for pursuing compensation. As a law firm with both a licensed attorney and medical doctor on staff, we possess the unique dual expertise necessary to effectively evaluate and pursue complex medical malpractice claims against federal healthcare facilities. Because we have attorneys and a medical doctor on staff, we can spot deviations from accepted standards of care and navigate the FTCA process.

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital operates as a full-service VA Medical Center located at 11201 Benton Street in Loma Linda, California. The hospital is the main facility of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, which has 10 locations in the region, including the main medical center, an ambulatory care center, and seven outpatient clinics. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services including surgical care, emergency services, cardiology, oncology, mental health treatment, addiction services, rehabilitation, and specialized women's health programs.

The facility's podiatric medicine and surgery residency program offers rotations in anesthesiology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, and trauma care through interdisciplinary collaboration. The residency program shows the hospital's dedication to advancing medical education and providing specialized care to veterans. The facility has undergone renovations to enhance patient care with modern equipment and facilities, featuring landscaped grounds designed to provide therapeutic outdoor spaces for veterans during their recovery.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's comprehensive surgical capabilities including general surgery, podiatric surgery, and vascular procedures, surgical mistakes can occur during operations. These may include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, or complications from improper surgical technique. VA hospitals sometimes face challenges with surgical safety protocols due to high patient volumes and staffing pressures. Learn more about California surgical error claims →.

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The emergency department at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital handles urgent medical situations where rapid decision-making is critical. Emergency room errors include failing to triage patients, misdiagnosing heart attacks or strokes, giving the wrong medication, or delaying treatment. VA emergency departments often experience overcrowding, which can contribute to diagnostic oversights. Read about California emergency room malpractice →.

• Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis: With the facility's broad range of services including cancer care, cardiology, and internal medicine, diagnostic errors pose significant risks to patient safety. Misdiagnosis happens when doctors misinterpret symptoms or diagnostic tests, or when follow-up care doesn't meet standards. Veterans may suffer harm when conditions like cancer, cardiac events, or infections are not timely identified and treated. Explore California misdiagnosis claims →.

• Medication Errors: The complex medication regimens often required by veteran patients create opportunities for prescription errors, dosing mistakes, or dangerous drug interactions. VA hospitals use electronic health records that may not always communicate effectively between departments, potentially leading to medication conflicts or missed allergies.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Patients at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital may develop preventable infections during their stay due to improper sterilization procedures, inadequate infection control protocols, or contaminated medical equipment. These infections can significantly complicate recovery and may prove life-threatening for vulnerable veteran populations.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans who believe they have been harmed by medical malpractice at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital must first file an administrative claim with the appropriate federal agency before pursuing a federal lawsuit. This administrative claim serves as a prerequisite to federal court litigation and cannot be bypassed. The federal government, not individual VA employees, assumes liability for healthcare provider actions under the FTCA.

For claims involving Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital, the administrative claim must typically be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office that has jurisdiction over the facility. While specific filing addresses may vary, the claim should generally be submitted to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel along with supporting medical records, expert medical opinions, and documentation of damages. It is crucial to file the claim with the correct office to avoid delays or procedural complications that could jeopardize your case.

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines that must be carefully observed. Veterans have two years from the date they discovered or reasonably should have discovered their injury to file the administrative claim. Once filed, the federal agency has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the agency fails to respond within six months, the veteran then has six months to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

For complete step-by-step instructions on navigating this complex process, including specific filing requirements and addresses, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in California →.

California's medical malpractice statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5 generally provides three years from the date of injury or one year from discovery of the injury to file a claim. However, for claims against Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital, the federal FTCA statute of limitations governs, which provides only two years from discovery. California's Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) damage caps do not apply to FTCA claims, as federal law supersedes state damage limitations in cases against federal facilities.

For detailed information about how California state law interacts with federal FTCA requirements and additional legal considerations specific to VA medical malpractice claims, visit our comprehensive California VA Medical Malpractice Guide →.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these California facilities:

• 60th Medical Group, David Grant USAF Medical Center (Travis AFB) →
• Fresno VA Medical Center (Fresno) →
• Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center (San Diego) →
• Martinez VA Medical Center (Martinez) →
• Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (Camp Pendleton) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Loma Linda, California, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities. However, the process has strict deadlines and requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This claim must detail the incident, injuries, and damages you're seeking. 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 the claim is denied or inadequately settled.

For cases involving the Loma Linda VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues and the unique legal requirements of VA malpractice claims. They can accurately evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate how the negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you're a veteran who has been disabled due to negligent care, you may also recover costs for necessary home modifications and long-term care needs. Family members may be entitled to compensation for loss of support and companionship in severe cases.

Time is critical in these cases, and evidence needs to be preserved. Our team offers free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families affected by care at the Loma Linda VA facility. We can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a valid claim - all at no cost to you. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice; we only get paid if we win your case. Contact us today to speak with a doctor-attorney who understands both the medical and legal aspects of VA malpractice claims.

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

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