Established in 1888, the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center is a crucial healthcare facility for veterans in Southern California. As one of the largest VA medical centers in the region, it provides comprehensive medical services including primary care, specialty care, surgery, and mental health treatment to thousands of veterans annually.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at this facility, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. Veterans harmed by poor care at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a medical malpractice claim against a VA facility requires specific expertise in both medicine and federal law.
At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – including our founder who holds both MD and JD degrees – allows us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice cases. With over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand the complexities of building strong cases against VA facilities.
About West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services. The federal government received these historic grounds as a donation to care for disabled veterans and has continued this mission for over 130 years.
Today, the facility serves as a major healthcare hub within the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, offering a full spectrum of medical services. Key specialties include cardiology, oncology, mental health, rehabilitation services, and specialized care for spinal cord injuries. The medical center maintains academic affiliations with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, serving as an important teaching facility for future healthcare providers.
The facility has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years as part of the VA's infrastructure improvement initiatives. The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center serves Southern California's veterans through its 24/7 emergency department and comprehensive specialty care services.
Common Types of Malpractice at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: Given the facility's extensive surgical services, errors can occur during both routine and complex procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have severe consequences. Common errors include failure to properly triage patients or recognize time-sensitive conditions. Learn more about ER malpractice →
Diagnostic Errors: Delays or failures in diagnosis, particularly in specialized departments like cardiology and oncology, can lead to devastating outcomes. birth injury claims → These errors often result from rushed examinations or a failure to order the right tests. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can cause serious harm. VA pharmacy systems require careful coordination to prevent dangerous drug interactions or dosing errors.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against West Los Angeles 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. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA office, detailing the nature of the negligence and resulting damages.
For claims involving the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with:
VA Office of General Counsel 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420
The law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once the VA receives the claim, they have six months to investigate and make a decision. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
For step-by-step instructions, see our guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in California →
California Legal Considerations for West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Claims
While FTCA claims are governed by federal law, California legal principles may affect certain aspects of cases against the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Under California Civil Code § 3333.2, medical malpractice cases have a cap on non-economic damages, though this may not directly apply to FTCA claims. These legal nuances underscore the importance of working with attorneys experienced in both federal and California medical malpractice law.
How to File a Malpractice Claim
How do I file a malpractice claim against West Los Angeles VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Office of General Counsel. This claim must detail the negligent care received and resulting damages. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly filed and includes all necessary documentation.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against West Los Angeles VA Medical Center?
You have two years from the date you discovered your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I sue West Los Angeles VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the VA facility or its employees directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against the United States government following specific procedures and requirements.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center?
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and compensation for pain and suffering. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on the specific circumstances and severity of injuries.
Do I need a California attorney for my West Los Angeles VA Medical Center claim?
While you need an attorney experienced in federal FTCA claims, they don't necessarily need to be based in California. Our firm handles VA medical malpractice cases nationwide and has recovered over $145 million for veterans.
How long does the VA have to respond to my claim?
The VA has six months to investigate and decide on your administrative claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
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 the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, you have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about both the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which then has six months to respond to your claim before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases at the West LA facility, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims against the VA. They can effectively analyze medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and articulate how these failures caused your injuries - all crucial elements for a successful 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. For veterans and military families, these damages can also include costs of additional medical care needed to correct problems caused by VA negligence, rehabilitation expenses, and compensation for permanent disabilities resulting from substandard care.
If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by medical negligence at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your legal options. During this evaluation, an experienced attorney can help determine if you have a viable claim and explain the specific steps needed to protect your rights under the FTCA.
Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice - most firms handle VA medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Contact a qualified attorney today to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation and ensure your rights are protected within the FTCA's strict deadlines.
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 West Los Angeles 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 West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like West Los Angeles 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
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, 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 West Los Angeles VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against West Los Angeles 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 West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.