Sepulveda VA Medical Center, now part of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, serves thousands of veterans throughout the San Fernando Valley region. This ambulatory care center and community living facility provides essential medical services, including cardiology, cancer care, audiology, and specialized treatments for veterans with amputations and complex medical needs.
Medical errors and negligence can occur despite the generally appropriate care at this facility. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard medical care at Sepulveda VA Medical Center, they have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.
As a law firm led by both a licensed physician and attorney, we bring unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice claims. Our team understands the complexities of proving medical negligence within the VA system and has recovered over $145 million for victims of military and VA medical malpractice nationwide.
About Sepulveda VA Medical Center
Sepulveda VA Medical Center operates as a key facility within the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), which serves approximately 1.4 million veterans across the Greater Los Angeles area. Located at 16111 Plummer Street in North Hills, this ambulatory care center provides both outpatient services and community living care for veterans.
The facility offers a comprehensive range of medical services including adaptive sports programs, allergy treatment, amputation care, audiology, cancer treatment, cardiology, chiropractic care, and COVID-19 vaccination services. Sepulveda VA Medical Center, as part of VAGLAHS, plays a vital role in delivering specialized healthcare to veterans throughout Southern California.
Sepulveda has recently integrated more closely with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System to enhance care coordination while maintaining accessible outpatient services.
Common Types of Malpractice at Sepulveda VA Medical Center
Diagnostic Errors: Missed or delayed diagnoses at this specialized outpatient facility can severely harm patients. This is particularly critical in cardiology and cancer screening services. Learn more about diagnosis errors in California VA facilities →
Treatment Delays: Veterans may experience harmful delays in receiving necessary medical care or referrals to specialists. These delays can be especially dangerous for cardiac patients or those requiring urgent cancer treatment.
Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescription, dosing, or medication administration can occur during both outpatient visits and in the community living center. These errors may result from communication breakdowns or inadequate medication reconciliation. birth injuries at VA facilities →
Surgical and Procedure Errors: Even though it's primarily an outpatient facility, errors during minor surgical procedures or invasive diagnostic tests can cause serious harm. Learn more about VA surgical errors in California →
Improper Follow-up Care: Failed communication of test results or inadequate monitoring of chronic conditions can lead to preventable complications and worsening health outcomes.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Sepulveda VA Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at Sepulveda VA Medical Center. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.
For claims involving Sepulveda VA Medical Center, the administrative claim should be filed with:
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel (Region 23) 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90024
Strict 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 California →
California Legal Considerations for Sepulveda VA Medical Center Claims
While FTCA claims are governed by federal law, California legal principles may influence certain aspects of Sepulveda VA Medical Center cases. Under California Civil Code § 3333.2, medical malpractice cases have a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, though this cap's application to FTCA claims varies by federal court interpretation.
The state's comparative negligence rules may also affect damage calculations in FTCA cases. However, California's statute of limitations for medical malpractice does not apply to VA claims, which are instead governed by the FTCA's two-year deadline.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Sepulveda VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Los Angeles. This claim must detail your injury and requested damages. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial documentation.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Sepulveda VA Medical Center?
You have two years from when you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from seeking compensation.
Can I sue Sepulveda VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. The Federal Tort Claims Act requires you to file an administrative claim first and then, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the United States government.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Sepulveda VA Medical Center?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. Our firm has recovered over $145 million for military and VA medical malpractice victims.
Do I need a California attorney for my Sepulveda VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, working with attorneys experienced in both medicine and VA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm handles FTCA cases nationwide and has a doctor-attorney leading your case.
What services at Sepulveda VA Medical Center are most often involved in malpractice claims?
Based on the facility's specialties, malpractice claims often involve cardiology care, cancer treatment, amputation care, and general outpatient procedures. Each type of care presents unique risks and standards of care that must be evaluated.
Other VA & Military Facilities in California
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these California facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at Sepulveda VA Medical Center, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation when substandard care at the VA results in injury or loss. However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Once you file, the VA has six months to respond to your claim before you can proceed with a lawsuit.
For cases involving the Sepulveda VA Medical Center, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues and the unique legal requirements of VA claims. They can accurately identify deviations from the standard of care, effectively communicate with treating physicians, and present compelling medical evidence to support your claim.
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 a veteran has died due to medical negligence, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages, though you cannot recover punitive damages against the government.
The process of filing an FTCA claim against the Sepulveda VA can be complex, requiring detailed medical documentation and precise legal procedures. Many veterans don't realize they have viable claims or miss crucial deadlines because they're unsure about their rights. To protect your interests, it's important to have your case evaluated by experienced professionals as soon as possible.
We encourage you to contact our office for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our doctor-attorneys will review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a valid claim against the VA. Don't let concerns about cost prevent you from seeking justice - we handle VA medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Related Case Types in California
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in California:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Sepulveda VA Medical Center claim
- 🩺Doctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Sepulveda VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Sepulveda VA Medical Center across all 50 states.
- 💰Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- 📅25+ Years of Experience
Our firm brings decades of experience to every case, understanding the nuances of federal litigation and the specific challenges of suing federal facilities.
- 🤝No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Sepulveda VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Sepulveda VA Medical Center in Sepulveda, California, you may have a right to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Archuleta Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation to help you understand your legal options:
- Review your Sepulveda VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Sepulveda VA Medical Center
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Sepulveda VA Medical Center.