Medical Malpractice at
Tripler Army Medical Center

Tripler Army Medical Center (Tripler AMC), with its distinctive coral pink exterior overlooking Honolulu, serves as the largest military medical facility in the Pacific Basin. As a Level II Trauma Center, Tripler AMC delivers comprehensive healthcare to active duty service members, families, and veterans throughout 52% of the Earth's surface. Despite its vital role and dedicated staff, medical errors and negligence can still occur at this facility, leading to serious injuries and devastating outcomes for military families.

Our law firm is led by a licensed physician and attorney, so we understand the medical and legal challenges of military medical malpractice cases. When negligence occurs at Tripler AMC, claims must be pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which requires specific procedures and expertise to navigate successfully. With our medical and legal knowledge, plus over 25 years of experience in military medical malpractice, we can effectively advocate for those harmed at Tripler AMC.

Established in 1948, Tripler Army Medical Center has grown into a cornerstone of military healthcare in the Pacific region. The 206-bed facility serves as both a primary care center for local military communities and a specialized referral center for the entire Pacific Basin. Because of its location and capabilities, it's a crucial hub for military medicine, serving people from Hawaii to Japan, Korea, and beyond.

Tripler AMC provides emergency medicine, surgery, women's health, pediatrics, and mental health care services. As a teaching hospital, Tripler AMC maintains multiple graduate medical education programs and residencies, contributing to the next generation of military healthcare providers. The facility handles over 800,000 outpatient visits annually, demonstrating its significant role in military healthcare delivery.

• Birth Injuries: Tripler AMC is the primary military birthing center in Hawaii and handles many deliveries each year. Birth injuries can occur due to delayed C-sections, improper fetal monitoring, or mismanagement of complications. Learn more about military birth injury claims →

• Surgical Errors: The high volume of surgeries performed at Tripler AMC increases the risk of surgical mistakes, including wrong-site surgery, retained objects, or anesthesia errors. Military hospitals face unique staffing challenges from rotations and deployments, which can impact surgical care. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: As a Level II Trauma Center, Tripler's ER handles critical cases from across the Pacific. Delays in treatment, misdiagnosis, or failure to properly triage can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn more about ER malpractice claims →

• Medication Errors: Complex military healthcare systems often lead to medication errors, including incorrect dosing, drug interactions, and administration mistakes. These errors can occur in any department but are particularly concerning in critical care settings.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients who experience medical malpractice at Tripler Army Medical Center must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate military claims office, detailing the incident, injuries, and damages sought.

The specific filing address for Tripler AMC claims is: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Tripler Army Medical Center 1 Jarrett White Road TAMC, HI 96859

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. After filing, the agency has six months to review your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires 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 Hawaii →

While Hawaii state law generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (HRS § 657-7.3), FTCA claims against Tripler AMC are governed by federal law. However, Hawaii state law may still influence how damages are calculated in FTCA cases. Unlike some states, Hawaii does not impose strict caps on medical malpractice damages, which can affect the potential recovery in Tripler AMC cases.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate military claims office. This must include detailed information about the incident, your injuries, and the damages you're seeking. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly prepared and filed.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Tripler Army Medical Center?

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

Can I sue Tripler Army Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue Tripler AMC or its employees directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first pursuing an administrative claim through the military claims system.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Tripler Army Medical Center?

Under the FTCA, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. However, punitive damages cannot be awarded against federal entities under the FTCA.

Do I need a Hawaii attorney for my Tripler Army Medical Center claim?

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in military medical malpractice is highly recommended. FTCA claims involve complex federal procedures and requirements that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

How long does a Tripler Army Medical Center malpractice claim take?

The process typically takes at least 6-12 months for the administrative phase alone. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the timeline can extend to several years. Each case is unique, and various factors can affect the duration.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Hawaii facilities:

• Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center (Honolulu) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent medical care at Tripler AMC, but strict deadlines apply.

The FTCA requires you to file your administrative claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the appropriate military department. Once filed, the agency has six months to respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Medical malpractice cases involving military hospitals like Tripler are particularly complex, which is why having an attorney with both medical and legal expertise is crucial. A doctor-attorney can better understand the medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with medical experts. They can also navigate the unique aspects of military medical malpractice claims, including dealing with military medical records and understanding the specific protocols followed at facilities like Tripler AMC.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For military families, this can include the cost of ongoing care, rehabilitation services, and necessary medical equipment. If a death occurred due to medical negligence, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages.

Don't let uncertainty about the legal process prevent you from seeking justice. Many law firms specializing in military medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your options. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to your situation, and help determine if you have a viable claim against Tripler AMC. Time is critical in these cases, so it's important to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as you suspect medical negligence may have occurred.

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 →