Medical Malpractice at
Sacramento VA Medical Center

Located in Mather, California, the Sacramento VA Medical Center provides crucial healthcare to veterans in Northern California. As part of the VA Northern California Health Care system, this facility provides comprehensive medical services including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and critical care to thousands of veterans annually. While most care provided meets professional standards, medical errors and negligence can unfortunately occur.

When medical malpractice happens at the Sacramento VA Medical Center, veterans have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict filing requirements. At the Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – with both a licensed physician-attorney and nurse on staff – allows us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice cases and identify deviations from the standard of care.

The Sacramento VA Medical Center is a federal healthcare facility established on the former Mather Air Force Base. This full-service VA Medical Center is a primary care destination for veterans in Northern California. The facility maintains an academic affiliation with the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, contributing to its role in medical education and research.

The medical center provides a comprehensive range of services including:

• Emergency Services: 24/7 emergency department care
• Surgical Services: General and specialty surgical programs
• Specialty Care: Cardiology, critical care, dermatology, audiology, and anesthesia
• Support Services: Caregiver support and advice nurse programs

Director David Stockwell leads the facility, serving the region's veterans as part of the VA Northern California Health Care system. The medical center's location in Mather makes it accessible to veterans throughout the Sacramento metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

• Surgical Errors: Due to the facility's surgical programs, errors can occur during both routine and complex procedures. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and post-operative complications. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases; delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have severe consequences. Errors often stem from overcrowding and inadequate staffing. Learn about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses in specialties like cardiology and critical care can lead to devastating outcomes. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or insufficient testing. More about misdiagnosis claims →

• **Medication Errors **birth injury claims →****: Improper medication administration, incorrect dosing, or drug interactions can cause serious harm. VA pharmacies handle large prescription volumes, increasing error risks.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice at the Sacramento VA Medical Center. This claim must be filed with the VA Office of General Counsel using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).

The specific filing requirements include:

• Administrative Claim: Must be filed with VA Office of General Counsel at 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420
• Supporting Documentation: Medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of damages
• Proper Notice: Detailed description of the negligent care and resulting injuries

Critical deadlines apply to these claims:

• You have 2 years from the date of injury (or when you reasonably should have discovered it) to file your administrative claim
• The VA has 6 months to review and respond to your claim
• If your claim is denied, you have 6 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 →

California medical malpractice regulations may affect Sacramento VA Medical Center cases, even though FTCA claims follow federal law. Under California Civil Code § 3333.2, there's a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, though federal courts may apply these differently in FTCA claims. The state's statute of limitations differs from the FTCA's requirements, making it crucial to understand which deadlines apply to your case.

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 the Sacramento VA Medical Center in Mather, California, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities.

Time is critical in these cases. You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. The process begins with filing Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once submitted, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if needed.

For cases involving the Mather VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized lawyer-physicians 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 with medical experts who may need to testify in your case.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans' families, claims may also include loss of consortium and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims against the VA don't have a cap on damages in California.

If you believe you've experienced medical negligence at the Sacramento VA Medical Center, don't wait to seek legal guidance. Many attorney-physicians offer free, confidential case evaluations to review your situation and explain your options. During this consultation, they can assess whether you have a viable claim and help you understand the FTCA process. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive, so it's crucial to speak with an experienced VA medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure compliance with all FTCA requirements.

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 →