Connecticut VA & Military Spinal Cord Injury Malpractice Attorneys

At Connecticut's VA medical centers and military hospitals, veterans and military families deserve safe, competent medical treatment. Medical negligence during surgery, emergency care, or routine procedures can cause catastrophic spinal cord injuries that forever change lives. These devastating injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care and dramatically impacting quality of life.

At the Archuleta Law Firm, our founding attorney brings unique expertise as both a licensed attorney and medical doctor—providing unparalleled insight into the complex medical and legal issues surrounding spinal cord injury cases. Over our 25+ years of practice, we've recovered over $145 million for clients who suffered preventable injuries at federal medical facilities.

If medical negligence at a Connecticut VA or military facility caused you or a loved one to suffer a spinal cord injury, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) protects your legal rights. Understand these rights and Connecticut's legal requirements to protect your family's future and secure compensation for lifetime care.

• Surgical Errors During Spinal Procedures: Surgeons' errors during spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy procedures (like improper instrument placement, damage to nerve roots, or failure to maintain proper spinal alignment) can cause permanent paralysis. These errors violate the standard of care requiring precise surgical technique and continuous monitoring.

• Anesthesia Complications: Improper positioning during surgery under general anesthesia can cause spinal cord compression, while epidural or spinal anesthesia errors can directly damage spinal cord tissue. Medical staff must follow strict protocols for patient positioning and anesthetic administration to prevent these preventable injuries.

• Delayed Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Compression: Emergency room physicians and radiologists must promptly diagnose conditions like epidural hematoma, spinal abscesses, or cauda equina syndrome to prevent irreversible spinal cord damage. The standard of care requires immediate recognition and treatment of these time-sensitive conditions.

• Medication Errors Causing Spinal Bleeding: Incorrect anticoagulant dosing or failure to monitor blood clotting levels can lead to epidural or subdural hematomas that compress the spinal cord. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor patients on blood-thinning medications and respond immediately to signs of spinal bleeding.

• Falls Due to Inadequate Patient Supervision: Hospital staff must properly assess fall risks, provide assistance, and maintain safe environments to prevent spinal fractures and cord injuries from falls. This represents a breach of the duty to provide reasonable care and supervision.

• Improper Emergency Trauma Management: Failure to properly immobilize the spine during emergency transport or initial treatment can convert a stable spinal fracture into a complete spinal cord injury. Emergency protocols require strict spinal precautions until injury is ruled out through proper imaging and examination.

We represent spinal cord injury victims at major Connecticut federal medical facilities where complex procedures and emergency care create risk for these catastrophic injuries:

• VA Connecticut Healthcare System - West Haven: This major VA medical center provides comprehensive surgical services, including orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures where spinal cord injuries can occur during complex spinal operations.

• Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory - Groton: Military personnel receiving medical care at this facility may suffer spinal injuries due to improper emergency treatment or diagnostic errors.

• U.S. Coast Guard Academy - New London: Cadets and personnel treated at Coast Guard medical facilities may experience spinal cord injuries from inadequate emergency care or surgical complications.

View all Connecticut VA & Military Facilities

• Sudden paralysis or loss of sensation following a routine medical procedure that was not discussed as a known risk
• Spinal cord injury occurring after a fall in the hospital when staff knew you were at high fall risk
• Development of paralysis after epidural or spinal anesthesia when proper technique should have prevented injury
• Delayed treatment for back pain or neurological symptoms that progressed to permanent spinal cord damage
• Spinal cord injury during emergency care when proper spinal immobilization protocols were not followed
• Paralysis following spinal surgery when the surgeon deviated from accepted surgical standards
• Progressive neurological decline that went unrecognized despite clear warning signs documented in medical records

Economic Damages

• Lifetime medical care costs: Including specialized spinal cord rehabilitation, ongoing physical therapy, and regular medical monitoring that can exceed $1 million over a lifetime
• Adaptive equipment expenses: Wheelchairs, home modification costs, vehicle adaptations, and assistive technology required for daily living
• Lost earning capacity: Complete calculation of wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities lost due to permanent disability
• Attendant care costs: Professional nursing care or family member compensation for assistance with daily activities
• Future surgical expenses: Additional spinal surgeries, hardware replacements, and treatment for secondary complications

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma from the life-altering injury
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Recognition of activities, hobbies, and life experiences that can no longer be enjoyed
• Loss of consortium: Impact on marriage and family relationships due to the devastating nature of spinal cord injury
• Emotional distress: Depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders commonly associated with sudden paralysis

Connecticut-Specific Considerations

Under Connecticut's modified comparative negligence system, spinal cord injury victims can recover damages even if they bear partial responsibility for their injury, provided their fault does not exceed 50%. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2674), Connecticut's damage limitation rules apply to federal claims, and recovery is limited to monetary damages only—punitive damages and prejudgment interest are prohibited. Connecticut's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims runs parallel to the FTCA's separate two-year administrative claim requirement.

Statute of Limitations: The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) requires filing an administrative claim within two years from the date of injury, separate from Connecticut's two-year personal injury statute of limitations. Connecticut's discovery rule may extend this deadline in cases where the full extent of spinal cord damage was not immediately apparent, but FTCA deadlines remain strict and absolute.

Expert Witness Requirements: Connecticut medical malpractice cases typically require expert testimony to establish the standard of care and prove negligence. In spinal cord injury cases, this often involves neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, or rehabilitation specialists who can explain how proper medical care should have prevented the injury. The complexity of spinal cord anatomy and treatment requires highly qualified medical experts familiar with current treatment standards.

For complete step-by-step filing instructions, see our guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Connecticut

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), you must file an administrative claim within two years from the date of injury. Connecticut's separate two-year personal injury statute runs concurrently, but the FTCA deadline is absolute and cannot be extended except in rare circumstances.

You can recover economic damages including lifetime medical care, lost wages, and adaptive equipment costs, plus non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Connecticut's modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if you're partially at fault, as long as your responsibility doesn't exceed 50%.

The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2674) limits recovery to monetary damages only—no punitive damages or prejudgment interest are allowed. Connecticut's damage limitation rules apply to federal claims, and any state caps on medical malpractice damages would affect your FTCA recovery amount.

You cannot sue individual military doctors personally, but you can file an FTCA claim against the United States government for negligence by federal employees acting within their official duties. The government becomes liable for the negligent acts of its medical personnel at VA and military facilities.

Yes, Connecticut medical malpractice cases require expert testimony to establish the standard of care and prove negligence. Spinal cord injury cases typically need neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, or rehabilitation medicine experts who can explain how proper care should have prevented your injury.

FTCA cases typically take 18-36 months from initial filing to resolution. The federal agency has six months to respond to your administrative claim, and if denied, you have six months to file suit in federal court. Complex spinal cord injury cases often require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony, which can extend the timeline.

Connecticut's discovery rule may apply to extend filing deadlines when injuries aren't immediately apparent, but FTCA administrative claim deadlines remain strict. You should consult an attorney immediately upon discovering that medical negligence may have caused your spinal cord injury.

Yes, spouses can recover for loss of consortium, and family members who provide care may recover for their services. Connecticut recognizes the devastating impact spinal cord injuries have on entire families, not just the injured person.

When you or a loved one has suffered paralysis, spinal cord damage, and nerve damage from medical negligence at a Connecticut VA or military facility, you need attorneys who understand both medicine and law. The Archuleta Law Firm offers a unique combination of expertise:

• Doctor-Attorney on Staff: Our founding attorney holds both an MD and JD, providing unmatched insight into Spinal Cord Injury cases and the medical standards of care that were violated.

• Proven Results: Over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, including complex Spinal Cord Injury cases.

• Connecticut FTCA Experience: We have successfully handled Federal Tort Claims Act cases involving Connecticut VA medical centers and military treatment facilities.

• No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case costs and expenses.

• Nationwide Practice: Licensed to handle FTCA cases in all 50 states, including Connecticut, with dedicated knowledge of federal medical malpractice law.

• Compassionate Approach: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that Spinal Cord Injury takes on families. Our team is here to support you through every step of the legal process.

If you or a loved one suffered paralysis, spinal cord damage, and nerve damage from medical negligence at a Connecticut VA medical center or military hospital, you may be entitled to significant compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

The Archuleta Law Firm offers free, confidential case evaluations for Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury victims. Our Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury attorneys will:

• Review your medical records and case details at no cost
• Explain your legal rights under the FTCA
• Assess the strength of your potential claim
• Answer your questions about the Connecticut legal process
• Discuss the compensation you may be entitled to recover

Don't wait - the FTCA has strict deadlines for filing claims. Contact us today to protect your rights.

Call 1-800-798-9529 for a free consultation, or Request Your Free Case Evaluation Online.

Connecticut VA Malpractice Information

• Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Connecticut - Complete guide to filing claims in Connecticut, including facility listings and legal requirements

Other Connecticut Case Types We Handle

• Connecticut Surgical Errors Cases
• Connecticut Emergency Room Errors Cases
• Connecticut Brain Injury Cases

Spinal Cord Injury Resources

• Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers (Nationwide) - General Spinal Cord Injury information
• FTCA Claims Process - Understanding the Federal Tort Claims Act
• Standard Form 95 Guide - How to complete the required claim form

Contact Us

• Phone: 1-800-798-9529
• Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury while receiving care at a VA facility in Connecticut, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. The FTCA allows veterans and military families to seek compensation when negligent medical care at federal facilities results in serious injuries.

It's important to know that strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about both the injury and its cause. Once you file the administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the agency has six months to respond. Only after receiving a denial or waiting six months can you file a lawsuit in federal court.

For spinal cord injury cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. These complex cases require deep understanding of both the legal requirements and the medical aspects of spinal cord injuries, including proper standards of care, injury mechanisms, and long-term prognosis. A doctor-attorney can more effectively evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and articulate how these departures caused your injury.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These typically include past and future medical expenses, such as ongoing rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also recoverable, especially important given the career impact of spinal cord injuries. You can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the emotional impact on both you and your family members.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Many Connecticut law firms specializing in veterans' FTCA claims offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process in detail, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, the sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your spinal cord injury.

Contact a qualified doctor-attorney today for a confidential, no-cost evaluation of your FTCA claim. Your service and sacrifice deserve nothing less than expert legal representation in this challenging time.

We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Connecticut:

• Connecticut Surgical Errors Cases
• Connecticut Emergency Room Errors Cases
• Connecticut Brain Injury Cases
• Connecticut Misdiagnosis Cases
• Connecticut Medication Errors Cases
• Connecticut Wrongful Death Cases