Medical Malpractice at
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa serves as one of Florida's largest and most comprehensive VA medical centers, providing care to over 93,000 veterans annually. The facility, a Level 1 Polytrauma Center affiliated with USF College of Medicine, delivers complex medical services from emergency care to specialized surgeries.

While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can occur even at prestigious institutions. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries.

Our firm's founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, bringing unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. This dual qualification allows us to thoroughly evaluate the complex medical issues specific to VA hospital cases while navigating the intricate FTCA claims process.

Established in 1972, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital operates as a 499-bed VA Medical Center providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans throughout the Tampa Bay region. The facility is one of only five national Level 1 Polytrauma Centers, specializing in treating veterans with complex, life-altering injuries.

The hospital recently expanded its capabilities with a new bed tower in 2021, adding 96,000 square feet of clinical space. As a major teaching hospital, it partners with the University of South Florida College of Medicine to train over 1,000 medical residents annually across 45 specialty programs.

Key services include cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, spinal cord injury care, and 24/7 emergency services. The facility also maintains designation as a comprehensive stroke center, providing critical emergency care to veterans experiencing acute medical conditions.

• Surgical Errors: As a major surgical center, preventable mistakes during operations can occur, including wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. These often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative protocols. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's busy emergency department handles complex trauma cases, where delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. Staffing shortages and overwhelming patient volumes can contribute to these errors. Learn more about emergency room malpractice →

• Diagnostic Failures: Veterans may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, especially for serious conditions like cancer or cardiovascular disease. The VA's appointment scheduling challenges can exacerbate these issues. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Incorrect medication dosing, dangerous drug interactions, or administration errors can occur, especially given the complex medical needs of many VA patients. These errors often stem from electronic health record issues or communication gaps between departments. Florida birth injury claims →

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. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed documentation of the alleged negligence and resulting damages.

For James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital claims, the SF-95 should be filed with:

VA Regional Counsel 400 South 18th Street, Suite 800 St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. The VA then has six months to review and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the review period expires, 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 Florida →

FTCA claims follow federal deadlines, though Florida's medical malpractice laws (Fla. Stat. § 95.11) impose a two-year statute of limitations. However, Florida's requirements for medical expert witnesses and standards of care may still influence how these cases are litigated.

Unlike state claims, FTCA cases have no statutory damage caps, allowing veterans to seek full compensation for their injuries. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under federal law.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in St. Petersburg. This claim must include detailed documentation of the negligence and resulting damages. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial documentation.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim under the FTCA. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.

Can I sue James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital directly?

No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Under the FTCA, your claim must first go through the administrative process. If denied, you can then file a federal lawsuit against the United States government, not individual providers or the facility.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital?

Compensable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. While punitive damages cannot be recovered under federal law, there are no caps on compensatory damages under the FTCA.

Do I need a Florida attorney for my James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and VA medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney insight helps evaluate complex medical issues while navigating federal regulations.

What if my treatment involved multiple VA facilities?

If your care involved James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and other VA facilities, your claim can include all related incidents. Our team can help determine which facilities bear responsibility and ensure all negligent care is properly documented in your claim.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Florida facilities:

• Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center (Miami) →
• C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center (Bay Pines) →
• Jacksonville North VA Clinic (Jacksonville) →
• Lake Baldwin VA Clinic (Orlando) →
• Lake City VA Medical Center (Lake City) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but the process has strict deadlines and requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This initial claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any lawsuit can begin. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if you're not satisfied with the VA's response.

For cases involving the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved in VA care and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can properly evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate these issues to both the VA and, if necessary, in federal court.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've suffered additional disabilities due to negligent care, the compensation can help cover long-term care needs and support services. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by medical negligence at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, you should seek a free case evaluation from an experienced FTCA attorney immediately. Given the complexity of these cases and the strict deadlines involved, having professional guidance from the start can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your claim. Many attorneys who specialize in VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations and only charge a fee if they succeed in recovering compensation for you.

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

• Florida Surgical Errors Cases →
• Florida Emergency Room Errors Cases →
• Florida Brain Injury Cases →
• Florida Spinal Cord Injury Cases →
• Florida Misdiagnosis Cases →
• Florida Medication Errors Cases →