Medical Malpractice at
Boise VA Medical Center

The Boise VA Medical Center provides crucial healthcare to veterans in Southern Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Northern Nevada. As a comprehensive medical facility with 46 hospital beds and 28 Community Living Center beds, it provides essential services including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and specialized veteran healthcare programs.

Medical errors and negligence can occur despite the quality care many veterans receive at this facility. If veterans are harmed by substandard care at the Boise VA Medical Center, they can seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – with both a licensed physician-attorney and nurse on staff – allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential malpractice cases against the Boise VA Medical Center. With over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand the complex intersection of military medicine, VA procedures, and federal tort law.

Established in 1932, the Boise VA Medical Center is a federal healthcare facility located at 500 West Fort Street in Boise, Idaho. The medical center serves over 100,000 veterans across a tri-state region, providing both inpatient and outpatient services through its main hospital and associated clinics.

The facility offers comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, cardiology, oncology, mental health treatment, and specialized veteran programs. Affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine, this teaching hospital maintains high standards for medical education and resident training while providing advanced specialty care.

The facility demonstrated its commitment to veteran healthcare by completing a new parking garage and medical office building in 2020. Director Joshua Callihan and Chief of Staff Dr. Andrew Wilper lead the medical center's expansion efforts to serve more veterans across the region.

• Surgical Errors: Because the facility has an active surgical department, errors can occur during general surgery, orthopedic procedures, or ophthalmological operations. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles urgent veteran care, but rushed diagnoses or delayed treatment can lead to serious harm. Triage errors and failure to recognize critical conditions are particular concerns. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: With multiple specialty departments, missed or delayed diagnoses can occur in areas like cardiology, oncology, or primary care. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate testing. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Because VA prescription systems are complex and involve multiple providers, dangerous medication mistakes can happen, including incorrect dosing or drug interactions. These errors can cause severe complications for veterans.

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 at the Boise VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed with the VA Regional Counsel using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).

For claims involving the Boise VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with: VA Regional Counsel 805 W. Franklin Street Boise, ID 83702

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, 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 Idaho →

While Idaho state law includes specific medical malpractice provisions, FTCA claims against the Boise VA Medical Center are governed by federal law. However, Idaho's standard of care requirements may still influence how negligence is evaluated. Additionally, any state damage caps must be considered within the context of federal tort claims.

For detailed information about Idaho-specific legal requirements and how they interact with federal law, visit our main Idaho VA medical malpractice page: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Idaho →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Boise. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury, and should include detailed documentation of the negligent care and resulting damages.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Boise VA Medical Center?

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

Can I sue Boise VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, naming the United States as the defendant after completing the administrative claim process.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Boise VA Medical Center?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.

Do I need an Idaho attorney for my Boise VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. Federal tort claims involve complex procedures and requirements that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

What if my claim is denied by the VA Regional Counsel?

If your administrative claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. Working with an experienced FTCA attorney becomes crucial at this stage to navigate federal court procedures properly.

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Boise VA Medical Center, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by VA medical care, 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 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. If the VA denies your claim or fails to respond within six months, you have six months from that date to file a federal lawsuit.

For VA medical malpractice cases in Boise, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the unique legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate how the VA's negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. For veterans' families pursuing wrongful death claims, damages may also include loss of companionship and funeral expenses. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims do not allow for punitive damages.

If you or a family member received substandard care at the Boise VA Medical Center, it's important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible to protect your rights. Many attorneys who specialize in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your case and explain your options. During this consultation, they can help determine if you have a viable claim and ensure you meet all required deadlines. Don't wait to seek help - the sooner you begin the process, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

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

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