Edward Hines Junior Hospital, located in Hines, Illinois, serves as one of the largest and most comprehensive VA medical centers in the nation. The facility provides critical healthcare services to veterans throughout Cook County and surrounding areas with its 471 beds and specialty services. While most veterans receive appropriate care here, medical errors and negligence can still occur.
Our law firm is led by a licensed attorney and medical doctor. Because of this dual expertise, we understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in VA medical malpractice cases. If negligence occurs at Edward Hines Junior Hospital, veterans must pursue claims through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This requires specialized legal knowledge and expertise in both medicine and federal law.
Because of our medical and legal expertise, we've recovered over $145 million for veterans and their families affected by medical malpractice at VA facilities like Edward Hines Junior Hospital. We understand both the medicine behind your injury and the federal laws governing your claim.
About Edward Hines Junior Hospital
Established in 1921, Edward Hines Junior Hospital was named after the son of a Chicago lumber merchant who died in World War I. When it first opened, it was the second-largest VA hospital in the country and continues to serve as a major medical center for veterans today. The facility operates as a teaching hospital in partnership with Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.
The hospital provides comprehensive medical services including general surgery, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology. Their specialty programs include mental health services, spinal cord injury care, blind rehabilitation, and comprehensive cancer treatment. The facility also maintains a 24/7 emergency department for veteran care.
Director James Doelling leads Edward Hines Junior Hospital in medical research, education programs, and serving thousands of veterans each year. The facility plays a crucial role in Illinois' VA healthcare system, providing primary and specialized medical services to veterans throughout the region.
Common Types of Malpractice at Edward Hines Junior Hospital
Surgical Errors: Given the hospital's extensive surgical services, errors can occur during general, cardiovascular, or orthopedic procedures. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, and anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department can experience delays in treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly monitor patients. These errors often result from understaffing or communication breakdowns. Learn more about emergency room errors →
Diagnostic Errors: With multiple specialty departments, missed or delayed diagnoses can occur, particularly in complex cases involving cancer, cardiovascular disease, or neurological conditions. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: The hospital's pharmacy services handle thousands of prescriptions, creating opportunities for medication mistakes, incorrect dosing, or dangerous drug interactions. Recent VA OIG reports have noted concerns regarding medication management at this facility.
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Despite infection control protocols, patients may develop serious infections during their hospital stay, particularly following surgical procedures or during extended admissions.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Edward Hines Junior Hospital
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at Edward Hines Junior Hospital. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting damages.
File your administrative claim with the VA Regional Counsel office responsible for Edward Hines Junior Hospital. All supporting medical documentation, including records, bills, and evidence of damages, must be included with the initial filing.
Veterans must be aware of strict deadlines when filing claims. The FTCA imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. Once the administrative claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or six months pass without a decision, 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 →
Illinois Legal Considerations for Edward Hines Junior Hospital Claims
While Illinois state law typically governs medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims against Edward Hines Junior Hospital follow federal law. However, Illinois's statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-212) may be considered when determining the "discovery rule" for when malpractice should have been discovered. Illinois previously had damage caps for medical malpractice cases, but these were ruled unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Edward Hines Junior Hospital?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This claim must include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting damages, along with supporting medical documentation.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Edward Hines Junior Hospital?
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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital directly?
No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Under the FTCA, your claim must first go through the administrative process with the VA. Only after this process can you file a federal lawsuit if necessary.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Edward Hines Junior Hospital?
You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Unlike some state claims, FTCA claims have no damage caps.
Do I need an Illinois attorney for my Edward Hines Junior Hospital claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our doctor-attorney team understands both the medical and legal aspects of your case.
What types of medical errors are most common at Edward Hines Junior Hospital?
Based on VA OIG reports and facility services, common errors include surgical complications, medication mistakes, diagnostic delays, and emergency department errors. Each type of error requires specific evidence and expertise to prove negligence.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Illinois
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Illinois facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation when substandard medical care leads to injury or loss of life, but you must act within strict timeframes.
The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This starts with filing an administrative claim (Standard Form 95) with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to respond to your claim. Only after the VA denies your claim or the six-month period expires can you file a lawsuit in federal court.
For cases involving Hines VA Hospital, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that should have been provided. They can accurately identify deviations from accepted medical practices and effectively communicate these issues to the court, which is essential when challenging a federal institution like the VA.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be eligible to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've experienced additional disabilities due to negligent care, compensation can also cover long-term care needs and adaptive equipment. Family members may seek damages for loss of companionship and support in wrongful death cases.
Given the complexity of FTCA claims and the specialized nature of VA medical care, you shouldn't wait to seek legal guidance. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, they can assess the strength of your case and explain the specific process for claims against Hines VA Hospital. Remember, protecting your rights begins with understanding them, and qualified legal counsel can help ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements while building the strongest possible case for compensation.
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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital 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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Edward Hines Junior Hospital 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
Edward Hines Junior Hospital Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Edward Hines Junior Hospital in Hines, 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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Edward Hines Junior Hospital
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Edward Hines Junior Hospital.