Naval Hospital Jacksonville serves as a critical healthcare facility for military service members, veterans, and their families in Northeast Florida. As part of the Navy Medicine network, this military treatment facility provides comprehensive medical care including emergency services, surgical procedures, specialty care, and maternity services to thousands of TRICARE beneficiaries each year.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at Naval Hospital Jacksonville despite dedicated healthcare professionals striving to provide excellent care. If preventable mistakes cause serious injury or death, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) gives patients and families legal rights. However, pursuing a claim against a military hospital requires specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.
The Archuleta Law Firm's medical and legal expertise helps us to effectively handle military medical malpractice cases. Our founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, allowing us to thoroughly evaluate the medical evidence while navigating the complex FTCA claims process. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand what it takes to hold military healthcare providers accountable.
About Naval Hospital Jacksonville
Established in 1941, Naval Hospital Jacksonville has served the military community in Northeast Florida for over 80 years. The facility opened in 1967 and received major emergency department and operating room modernizations in 2013-2014. Today, it functions as both a naval hospital and a Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command facility.
The hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services including emergency medicine, surgical care, maternal/child health, mental health services, and various medical specialties. As a graduate medical education teaching hospital, it also plays an important role in training military healthcare providers. Commanding Officer Capt. Carolyn Rice leads the facility in serving active duty personnel, military retirees, and their families in the region.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville provides important military healthcare in Florida, working with other facilities to serve military members and their families. The hospital's strategic location at Naval Air Station Jacksonville makes it easily accessible to the large military population in Northeast Florida.
Common Types of Malpractice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville
Birth Injuries: The hospital's maternity unit handles numerous deliveries, but errors during labor and delivery can lead to serious complications. Military hospitals may face staffing challenges that increase risks during childbirth. Learn more about birth injury claims in Florida →
Surgical Errors: Surgical mistakes, from routine procedures to complex operations, can occur because of inadequate pre-operative planning or communication failures. Military surgical teams often face unique pressures that may impact patient safety. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed diagnosis or treatment errors can have devastating consequences. Military ER staffing patterns and training levels may affect care quality. Learn more about emergency room error claims →
Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can cause serious harm. Military pharmacies and electronic health records systems may contribute to these errors.
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses can lead to worsened conditions. Military healthcare providers may face time constraints or limited access to specialists that impact diagnostic accuracy.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Naval Hospital Jacksonville
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients seeking compensation for medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville must first file an administrative claim. This process differs significantly from civilian medical malpractice cases, as you cannot sue individual healthcare providers or the facility directly.
The administrative claim must be filed with the Navy JAG Corps at: Office of the Judge Advocate General Tort Claims Unit (TCU) 9620 Maryland Avenue, Suite 205 Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2949
Strict deadlines apply to these claims. You must file within two years of discovering the malpractice, and no later than two years from when the incident occurred. After filing, the agency has six months to investigate and respond. If your claim is denied or the six months expire without a response, you 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 →
Florida Legal Considerations for Naval Hospital Jacksonville Claims
While Naval Hospital Jacksonville claims fall under federal law, certain Florida medical malpractice provisions may still be relevant. Florida's statute of limitations (Florida Statutes § 95.11) generally allows two years to file medical malpractice claims, aligning with the FTCA deadline. However, Florida's damage caps were ruled unconstitutional and do not apply to FTCA claims, which are governed by federal law regarding compensation.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Naval Hospital Jacksonville?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Navy JAG Corps. This claim should detail the incident, injuries, and damages sought, supported by medical evidence and documentation.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Naval Hospital Jacksonville?
Claims must be filed within two years of when the malpractice occurred or when it was reasonably discovered. Missing this deadline typically bars you from seeking compensation.
Can I sue Naval Hospital Jacksonville directly?
No, you cannot sue the hospital or its employees directly. All claims must proceed through the FTCA process, beginning with an administrative claim to the appropriate federal agency.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville?
You may be eligible to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be awarded against the federal government.
Do I need a Florida attorney for my Naval Hospital Jacksonville claim?
While not required, working with an attorney experienced in military medical malpractice is highly recommended. The FTCA claims process involves complex federal laws and procedures that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.
What evidence is needed for a Naval Hospital Jacksonville malpractice claim?
Your claim must be supported by medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of damages. A doctor-attorney can help evaluate medical evidence and establish the standard of care violation.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Florida
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Florida facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, you should know that filing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) involves specific procedures and strict deadlines. As a veteran or military family member, you must file your claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Once you file the administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the agency has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
When dealing with military medical malpractice cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable to your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with expert witnesses. Their unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows them to build stronger cases and maximize the potential for a favorable outcome.
Through an FTCA claim against Naval Hospital Jacksonville, 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 military families, this can also include the cost of ongoing care, rehabilitation services, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications.
The complexity of these cases, combined with the government's significant resources and strict procedural requirements, makes it crucial to seek qualified legal representation promptly. Many veterans don't realize they have valid claims or wait too long to take action, potentially losing their right to compensation.
You can protect your rights by getting a free, confidential case evaluation from an experienced FTCA attorney. During this consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case, learn about your legal options, and determine the best path forward. Most FTCA attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Don't let uncertainty about the legal process prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained at Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
Related Case Types in Florida
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Florida:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Naval Hospital Jacksonville 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 Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Naval Hospital Jacksonville 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
Naval Hospital Jacksonville Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville , Florida, 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 Naval Hospital Jacksonville medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Naval Hospital Jacksonville
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Naval Hospital Jacksonville.