Medical Malpractice at
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton serves as the primary military treatment facility for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, providing comprehensive medical care to active duty service members, their families, and other TRICARE beneficiaries. The state-of-the-art $456 million facility opened in 2014 and provides emergency care, surgical procedures, labor and delivery, and specialty treatments.

Despite its modern facilities and dedicated staff, medical errors and negligence can still occur at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, patients may suffer serious injuries or worse. As a law firm led by both a licensed physician and attorney, we understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in military medical malpractice cases.

Claims against Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton must be pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA requires specific procedures and expertise. Our firm offers a unique combination of medical and legal knowledge. With over 25 years of experience handling military medical malpractice cases, we effectively advocate for patients harmed by negligent care at this facility.

The 42-bed Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton spans 500,000 square feet within the Marine Corps' largest West Coast training facility. Naval Medical Forces Pacific commands the hospital, which serves diverse military populations across Southern California. Since opening its new facility in 2014, it has provided modernized healthcare services to meet the growing needs of the Camp Pendleton community.

The hospital offers comprehensive medical services including general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, primary care, pediatrics, and mental health services. Its Graduate Medical Education program, including a Family Medicine Residency, helps train the next generation of military healthcare providers while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is a principal military medical center in California. It plays a vital role in maintaining the health and readiness of Marine Corps personnel and their families. The facility's emergency department operates 24/7, though it does not maintain a trauma center designation.

• Surgical Errors: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton performs a range of surgical procedures. Errors that can occur include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia mistakes. Military hospitals may face increased risks due to high patient volumes and provider rotation. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Birth Injuries: The hospital's labor and delivery unit handles numerous births each year. Complications can arise from delayed C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, or improper use of delivery tools. These errors can lead to serious injuries for both mother and child. Learn more about birth injury claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department sees various urgent conditions where quick, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Delays in treatment, misdiagnosis, or failure to order appropriate tests can have devastating consequences. Learn more about ER malpractice claims →

• Medication Errors: Incorrect medication dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors can occur in any hospital setting. Military facilities may face additional challenges with staff transitions and complex medical records systems.

• Diagnostic Failures: Delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in critical conditions, can result in worsened outcomes. Military healthcare providers must maintain appropriate diagnostic protocols despite high patient loads.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients who have experienced medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action. This claim must be filed with the Department of the Navy's Office of the Judge Advocate General, specifically the Tort Claims Unit (TCU) in Norfolk, Virginia.

The process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death) along with supporting medical documentation and evidence of negligence. Claims must be filed with:

Office of the Judge Advocate General Tort Claims Unit (TCU) 9620 Maryland Avenue, Suite 205 Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2949

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. You must file your administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. After filing, the agency has six months to review your claim. If your claim is denied or the review period expires, you 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 California →

While Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton claims fall under federal law, California's Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) may influence damage calculations in FTCA cases. California Civil Code § 3333.2 places a $350,000 cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, though this typically doesn't apply to economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages.

These state-specific considerations make it crucial to work with attorneys experienced in both federal and California medical malpractice law. Learn more about California's legal requirements on our state overview page: Military Medical Malpractice in California →

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) →
• Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital (Loma Linda) →
• Martinez VA Medical Center (Martinez) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, you need to understand that filing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) involves specific procedures and strict deadlines. You must file your claim within two years from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause. Once you file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the Department of the Navy has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with military medical malpractice at Camp Pendleton, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with military healthcare providers. Their unique combination of medical and legal expertise helps establish the critical connection between the medical negligence and your injuries, which is essential for FTCA claims.

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. For military families, this can include long-term care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and compensation for permanent disabilities. However, unlike civilian cases, punitive damages are not available under the FTCA, and there may be limitations based on your military status and the Feres Doctrine.

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by medical negligence at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, don't wait to seek legal guidance. Many experienced medical malpractice attorneys offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to military medical malpractice, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive, so seeking professional legal counsel early can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovery.

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 →