The VA Illiana Health Care System, known as the Danville VA Medical Center, is a critical healthcare facility for veterans in east-central Illinois and west-central Indiana. This 218-bed medical center provides essential services including primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, and emergency services to our nation's veterans.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at the Danville VA Medical Center, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. When medical malpractice happens at a VA facility, victims must pursue claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) rather than filing a traditional lawsuit.
Our firm's founder, a licensed physician and attorney, brings unique medical and legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. Our experience with FTCA claims against VA facilities, along with our medical knowledge, enables us to evaluate malpractice at the Danville VA Medical Center and fight for harmed veterans.
Overview of the Danville VA Medical Center Facility
Originally established in 1898 as the Danville Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, the Danville VA Medical Center has a long history of serving veterans. The facility became part of the Veterans Administration system in 1930 and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of veterans in the region.
Today, under the leadership of Medical Center Director Stephanie Young, the facility offers comprehensive healthcare services including cardiology, audiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, and mental health treatment. The medical center maintains a 24/7 emergency department and provides both inpatient and outpatient care.
The Danville VA Medical Center plays a vital role in Illinois's VA healthcare network, serving veterans across multiple counties. The facility's 218 operating beds and specialized programs make it an important resource for veterans requiring both routine and complex medical care.
Common Types of Malpractice at Danville VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: Given the range of surgical procedures performed at Danville VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can occur during both routine and complex operations. These may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims β
Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department at Danville VA can experience delays in treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly monitor patients. These errors often occur during busy periods or due to staffing shortages. Learn about emergency room malpractice β
Diagnostic Errors: Missed or delayed diagnoses at Danville VA can lead to serious harm, particularly in specialties like cardiology and gastroenterology. These errors may result from rushed examinations, inadequate testing, or poor communication between departments. Understanding misdiagnosis claims β
Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can have severe consequences. These errors are particularly concerning given the complex medical needs of many veterans receiving care at Danville VA Medical Center.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Danville VA Medical Center
Before suing Danville VA Medical Center, veterans must file an administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. Β§ 2675). This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.
For Danville VA Medical Center claims, the SF-95 should be submitted to: Office of Regional Counsel (Region 3) 4811 Airport Plaza Dr., Suite 200 Long Beach, CA 90815
Veterans must be aware of strict deadlines when filing FTCA claims. The administrative claim must be filed within two years of the date the malpractice was discovered. After filing, the VA has six months to review 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 Illinois β
Illinois Legal Considerations for Danville VA Medical Center Claims
Although Illinois law typically requires filing medical malpractice claims within two years (735 ILCS 5/13-212), FTCA claims follow federal guidelines. However, Illinois damage caps and medical malpractice requirements may influence how FTCA claims are evaluated and compensated.
Successfully pursuing claims against Danville VA Medical Center requires an attorney who knows both FTCA requirements and Illinois medical malpractice law. Learn more about Illinois VA medical malpractice law β
How to File a Malpractice Claim
How do I file a malpractice claim against Danville VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This must be done within two years of discovering the malpractice. Our firm can help prepare and file this crucial initial claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Danville VA Medical Center?
Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Can I sue Danville VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. All claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Danville VA Medical Center?
FTCA claims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be awarded.
Do I need an Illinois attorney for my Danville VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice significantly increases your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney perspective provides valuable insights for these complex cases.
What if my claim against Danville VA Medical Center is denied?
If your administrative claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. Working with an experienced FTCA attorney is crucial at this stage to protect your rights and present the strongest possible case.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Illinois
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Illinois facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you believe you or a loved one experienced medical malpractice at the Danville VA Medical Center in Illinois, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. The FTCA 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 the incident (or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury) to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This first step must be completed before you can file a lawsuit. Once you submit your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable for VA medical malpractice cases at facilities like Danville VAMC. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with medical experts. Their dual expertise helps build stronger cases and often leads to better outcomes for veterans and their families.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If a veteran died due to medical negligence, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on compensation amounts in Illinois.
Don't wait to explore your legal options if you suspect medical negligence at the Danville VA Medical Center. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. During a consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a viable claim. The sooner you reach out, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Related Case Types in Illinois
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Illinois:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Danville VA Medical Center claim
- π©ΊDoctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Danville VA Medical Center.
- βοΈExclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Danville VA Medical Center across all 50 states.
- π°Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- π25+ 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.
- π€No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basisβyou pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Danville VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Danville VA Medical Center in Danville, Illinois, 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 Danville VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Danville VA Medical Center
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Danville VA Medical Center.