Medical Malpractice at
Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms is the primary medical facility for the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and military community in Twentynine Palms, California. The hospital provides emergency care, primary care, surgical services, and specialized treatment to active duty service members, their families, and TRICARE beneficiaries.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, despite dedicated healthcare professionals striving to provide quality care. If military healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows patients to seek compensation for injuries.

Because our firm's founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, we bring unique medical and legal expertise to military medical malpractice cases. We have recovered more than $145 million for clients over 25 years, successfully navigating complex claims against military treatment facilities like Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms is a military treatment facility named after Medal of Honor recipient Robert E. Bush, a Navy Hospital Corpsman. Located at 1145 West Sturgis Road, the hospital supports one of the Marine Corps' largest bases and serves as the cornerstone of military healthcare in the Twentynine Palms region.

The hospital offers 24/7 emergency care, laboratory services, pharmacy, radiology, mental health services, and primary care. As part of the Military Health System, it plays a vital role in maintaining the medical readiness of active duty personnel while also caring for military families stationed in the California desert region.

The hospital serves a diverse patient population including active duty Marines and Sailors, their family members, military retirees, and other TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries in the area. Its strategic location near the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center makes it an essential component of the military's healthcare infrastructure in Southern California.

• Surgical Errors: Military hospitals like Twentynine Palms face unique challenges including high patient volumes and provider rotation that can contribute to surgical mistakes. Common errors include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and anesthesia complications. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases under high-pressure conditions. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, and failure to properly monitor patients are recurring issues that can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Medication Errors: With its busy pharmacy services, medication mistakes can occur through incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or dispensing errors. Military pharmacies often handle large prescription volumes that increase error risks.

• Diagnostic Failures: Delayed or missed diagnoses are particularly concerning in military settings where provider turnover can disrupt continuity of care. Critical conditions like cancer, heart disease, or infection may go unrecognized.

• Birth Injuries: Labor and delivery complications require swift, appropriate responses. Delays in performing C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, and improper use of delivery tools can result in serious birth injuries. Learn more about military birth injury claims →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 and include detailed information about the incident, injuries, and damages sought.

Claims involving Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms should be filed with the Department of the Navy's Office of the Judge Advocate General. The claim must provide sufficient detail to allow the agency to investigate and evaluate the incident. Supporting documentation including medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of damages should be included.

Strict deadlines apply when filing FTCA claims. The administrative claim must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. After filing, the agency has six months to review and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the review period expires, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For complete step-by-step instructions on filing your claim, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in California →

While FTCA claims follow federal law, California medical malpractice laws may impact certain aspects of claims against Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5, there is a three-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, but the FTCA's two-year deadline takes precedence for military claims.

California's MICRA law caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at $250,000, though this may not strictly apply to FTCA claims. These legal nuances underscore the importance of working with attorneys experienced in both federal and California medical malpractice law. Learn more about California military medical malpractice law →

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 Twentynine Palms, you need to understand that claims against military healthcare facilities follow specific rules under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, you have two years from the date of the negligent medical care to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This deadline is strict - missing it can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Once you file your claim, the Department of the Navy has six months to investigate and respond. They may choose to settle your claim, deny it, or not respond at all. If your claim is denied or six months pass without a response, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit. Given the complexity of both military medicine and federal law, working with an attorney who is also a licensed physician can significantly strengthen your case. A doctor-attorney understands both the medical standards of care at military facilities like Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For military families, this can also include the cost of ongoing care and support services needed due to medical negligence. However, proving these damages requires extensive medical documentation and expert testimony to establish both the standard of care violation and the resulting harm.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you suspect medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms. Many law firms that specialize in military medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and the strength of your potential claim. During this consultation, an experienced doctor-attorney can review your medical records and explain how the FTCA process applies to your specific situation. Remember, protecting your rights starts with understanding them - reach out today to learn if you have a valid claim under the FTCA.

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 →