The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago serves over 62,000 veterans annually and is a cornerstone of veteran healthcare in Illinois. This major VA facility offers comprehensive services, including surgery, emergency care, cardiology, and rehab programs, playing a vital role in supporting veterans.
However, even at prestigious facilities like Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, medical errors and negligence can occur. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Our doctor-attorney team has over 25 years of experience handling VA medical malpractice claims, giving us the specialized medical and legal knowledge required for these cases.
Because our firm is led by a licensed physician-attorney, we understand the complex medical and legal challenges of these cases. Our combined medical and legal expertise allows us to evaluate claims against Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and fight for harmed veterans.
About Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 South Damen Avenue in Chicago, is a comprehensive medical facility featuring 200 operating beds and serving veterans throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Originally established as the West Side VA Hospital, it was renamed in 2004 to honor Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jesse Brown.
The facility serves as a major teaching hospital with University of Illinois College of Medicine affiliation, training medical professionals through residency and fellowship programs. Director Rick Ament and Chief of Staff Dr. Sarah Unterman lead the medical center in providing comprehensive healthcare services:
- Surgical Services: General, cardiac, orthopedic, bariatric, and vascular surgery
- Specialty Care: Cardiology, oncology, mental health, and rehabilitation services
- Emergency Services: 24/7 emergency department
- Women's Health: Primary care and gynecology services for female veterans
As a key component of Illinois's VA healthcare system, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center maintains sophisticated medical capabilities while focusing on veteran-specific healthcare needs and challenges.
Common Types of Malpractice at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: Given the facility's wide range of surgical services, errors can occur during general, cardiac, or orthopedic procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia complications. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or mismanagement can have severe consequences. Common issues include failure to properly triage, delayed treatment, or inappropriate discharge. Learn more about emergency room errors →
Diagnostic Failures: With the complex medical conditions many veterans face, missed or delayed diagnoses can be particularly devastating. This includes failures to recognize cardiac conditions, cancer, or service-related health issues. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: The complexity of veteran healthcare often involves multiple medications, increasing the risk of dangerous drug interactions or dosing errors. VA pharmacy systems must carefully manage these risks.
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Poor sanitation or inadequate infection control protocols can lead to serious secondary infections, particularly following surgical procedures or during extended hospital stays.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
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. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office detailing the nature and extent of the injuries suffered.
For claims involving Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with: Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel 536 South Clark Street, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60605
Critical deadlines apply to these claims:
- The administrative claim must be filed 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 Illinois →
Illinois Legal Considerations for Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Claims
While Illinois state law typically imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (735 ILCS 5/13-212), FTCA claims follow federal timelines. Illinois previously had damage caps for medical malpractice cases, but these were ruled unconstitutional in 2010. However, FTCA claims are subject to federal regulations regarding damages, which can affect compensation amounts.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Jesse Brown VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office in Chicago. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial documentation and gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Jesse Brown VA Medical Center?
You must file your administrative claim within 2 years of when you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice. Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Can I sue Jesse Brown VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government through the proper administrative channels first.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center?
Compensable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability-related costs. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.
Do I need an Illinois attorney for my Jesse Brown VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and federal tort claims can significantly improve your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney insight helps navigate both the medical and legal complexities of VA malpractice claims.
What if my treatment involved multiple VA facilities?
If your care involved both Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and other VA facilities, your claim can address all related incidents. Our team can help determine all potentially liable facilities and include them in your claim.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Illinois
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Illinois facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, 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 for injuries caused by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but strict deadlines and procedures must be followed.
You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This starts with filing Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and 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.
For VA medical malpractice cases, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor provides a significant advantage. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their combined legal and medical knowledge is particularly valuable when building strong cases involving the unique aspects of VA healthcare delivery at facilities like Jesse Brown.
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 veterans with service-connected disabilities who experienced additional harm due to VA negligence, damages can also include costs for additional care and assistance needed due to worsened conditions.
Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Given the complexity of FTCA claims and strict deadlines, it's important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Contact an experienced doctor-attorney for a free, confidential review of your potential claim against Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. They can help determine if you have a viable case and guide you through the complex FTCA process while protecting your rights as a veteran.
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 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center 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 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Jesse Brown 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 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
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, 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 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Jesse Brown 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 Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.