Medical Malpractice at
Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center

The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu is the primary VA healthcare facility for veterans in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. As a tertiary care facility within the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), it provides essential medical services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments for our veterans.

While most care at this facility meets acceptable standards, medical errors and negligence can occur. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at the Matsunaga VA Medical Center, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) to seek compensation for their injuries.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to handle VA medical malpractice cases because a licensed physician and attorney leads our team. This doctor-attorney insight allows us to thoroughly evaluate the medical evidence and build stronger cases for veterans harmed at VA facilities like the Matsunaga Medical Center.

Named after Senator Spark M. Matsunaga in 1989, this VA Medical Center evolved from its origins as a VA clinic in the 1940s to become the cornerstone of veteran healthcare in the Pacific region. The facility serves veterans across Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.

The medical center partners with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to offer residency programs across multiple specialties. Under the leadership of Director Dr. Adam Robinson, the facility provides comprehensive healthcare services including:

• Primary and specialty care
• Mental health services
• Emergency care
• Surgical services
• Women's health
• Telehealth capabilities

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's role as a major surgical center for Pacific veterans, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, and anesthesia errors. Our firm has extensive experience handling surgical error cases in Hawaii.

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The emergency department serves veterans in crisis, but staffing shortages and communication breakdowns can lead to delayed treatment or mismanaged emergencies. Learn more about emergency room malpractice claims.

• Diagnostic Errors: Delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in specialties like cardiology and oncology, can have devastating consequences. Veterans deserve timely and accurate diagnoses. See our guide to misdiagnosis claims.

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, and medication interactions can cause serious harm. VA pharmacies must maintain proper protocols to prevent these errors.

The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) governs medical malpractice claims against the Matsunaga VA Medical Center. This law requires veterans to first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 before pursuing litigation.

Claims must be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office serving Hawaii: Office of Regional Counsel VA Pacific Islands Health Care System 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819

Critical deadlines apply to these claims:

• You must file your administrative claim within 2 years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice
• The VA has 6 months to review and respond to your claim
• If your claim is denied, you have 6 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 Hawaii →

Hawaii's medical malpractice statute of limitations (HRS § 657-7.3) allows two years to file claims, which aligns with the FTCA deadline. While Hawaii has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice, FTCA claims are subject to federal regulations regarding damages.

For detailed information about Hawaii-specific legal requirements, visit our Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Hawaii guide.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office in Honolulu. This claim must detail the injury, damages, and evidence of negligence.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim under the FTCA.

Can I sue Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. The FTCA requires you to file an administrative claim first, and any subsequent lawsuit must name the United States as the defendant.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center?

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Each case is unique, and damages depend on the specific circumstances.

Do I need a Hawaii attorney for my Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center claim?

Although not legally required, an attorney experienced in FTCA claims and medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's doctor-attorney can handle cases in all 50 states.

What if my treatment was through the Matsunaga VA Medical Center's telehealth program?

Telehealth malpractice claims follow the same FTCA procedures as in-person care. Our firm handles claims involving diagnostic errors, medication mistakes, and other negligence birth injury claims → occurring during virtual appointments.

You need expert knowledge of FTCA procedures and VA healthcare systems to file a malpractice claim against the Matsunaga VA Medical Center. The Archuleta Law Firm offers unparalleled expertise:

• 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 Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center.
• Exclusive FTCA Focus: We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Spark M. Matsunaga 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 Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center 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.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Hawaii facilities:

• Tripler Army Medical Center (Tripler AMC) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities. However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Once you file the required Form SF-95, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim.

When pursuing an FTCA claim against the Honolulu VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable to your case. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the unique legal requirements of suing a federal agency. They can accurately assess whether the care you received fell below accepted standards of medical practice and can effectively communicate these violations to the court. This medical-legal expertise is particularly crucial given Hawaii's specific medical malpractice laws and the federal regulations governing VA claims.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses related to treating injuries caused by the negligent care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your ability to work was affected, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For surviving family members in wrongful death cases, additional damages may be available under Hawaii law.

The process of filing an FTCA claim against the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center is complex and time-sensitive. Don't risk losing your right to compensation by waiting too long or making procedural mistakes. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options. During this consultation, you can discuss the specific details of your situation and learn how an attorney can help protect your rights. Remember, you served our country - now let qualified legal professionals serve you by helping obtain the compensation you deserve for medical negligence at the VA.

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

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