Medical Malpractice at
Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center

The Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center in Wichita serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans across South Central and Western Kansas. Despite serving 30,000 veterans annually with essential medical services, the facility's medical negligence can cause serious harm to our service members.

As both a licensed attorney and medical doctor, our firm's founder understands the complex medical and legal issues that arise in VA medical malpractice cases. We recognize that pursuing a claim against the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center requires navigating the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which governs all claims of negligence against federal facilities. With combined medical and legal expertise, 25+ years of experience, and $145 million recovered, we effectively advocate for harmed veterans.

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, located at 5500 East Kellogg Drive in Wichita, honors the decorated WWII veteran and longtime Kansas senator. This facility serves as both a medical center and regional benefits office, providing integrated care and administrative services to veterans throughout the region.

The medical center offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including:

• Primary Care: Comprehensive medical management and preventive services
• Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency medical services
• Specialty Services: Including audiology, cardiology, dental, dermatology, and endocrinology
• Mental Health Services: Both inpatient and outpatient mental health care
• Women's Health: Specialized care for female veterans

As a primary VA healthcare facility in Kansas, the center serves the region's veterans by offering routine and specialized treatments to meet their diverse needs.

• Surgical Errors: Operating room mistakes at the Wichita VA can include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, or post-operative complications. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's emergency department sees numerous veterans requiring urgent care. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly monitor patients can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: Missed or delayed diagnoses, particularly in specialties like cardiology and oncology, can result in decreased survival rates and more invasive treatments. These errors often stem from rushed examinations or failure to order appropriate tests. birth injury claims → Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Veterans often require complex medication regimens. Incorrect dosing, medication interactions, or dispensing errors can cause serious harm. These mistakes frequently occur due to understaffing or inadequate medication reconciliation processes.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) before pursuing litigation. This claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Counsel office that oversees the Wichita facility.

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims:

• Two-year statute of limitations: Claims must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered
• Six-month agency review: The VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim
• Six-month filing window: After a claim denial, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit

For veterans seeking to file a claim against the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, documentation should be submitted to the VA Regional Counsel office with jurisdiction over Kansas. Our doctor-attorney team can ensure your claim includes all necessary medical evidence and meets all FTCA requirements.

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Kansas →

While Kansas state law typically imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases (K.S.A. § 60-513), FTCA claims are governed by federal law. However, Kansas state law may still influence certain aspects of FTCA claims, including the calculation of damages. Kansas has abolished caps on medical malpractice damages, which can affect the compensation available in FTCA cases.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This claim must include detailed information about the incident and supporting medical documentation. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly prepared and filed.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center?

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 Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Under the FTCA, you must first file an administrative claim and wait for the VA's response before filing a lawsuit in federal court.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. The amount depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.

Do I need a Kansas attorney for my Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney with both medical and legal expertise significantly increases your chances of success. Our firm handles FTCA claims nationwide and understands the complex medical issues involved in VA malpractice cases.

What happens if my administrative claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, you have six months to file a lawsuit in federal court. Our experienced legal team can guide you through this process and represent you in federal litigation.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Kansas facilities:

• Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center (Topeka) →
• Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center (Leavenworth) →
• Irwin Army Community Hospital (Fort Riley) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent VA healthcare providers. However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Once you file the required Form SF-95, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim.

For VA medical malpractice cases in Wichita, working with an attorney who is also a licensed physician can significantly strengthen your case. A doctor-attorney understands both the complex medical issues and the specific legal requirements for FTCA claims against the VA. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and explain complicated medical concepts to the court. This dual expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with the unique aspects of VA healthcare and federal tort law.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If a veteran died due to VA negligence, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on compensation amounts, though punitive damages are not allowed.

Given the complexity of these cases and the strict procedural requirements, you should consider having your potential claim evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney as soon as possible. Many law firms that handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options. During this evaluation, they can assess whether you have a viable claim and help ensure all necessary documentation is properly prepared before deadlines expire. Don't delay in seeking legal guidance - your right to compensation may depend on taking timely action.

Remember, pursuing an FTCA claim against the Wichita VA Medical Center isn't just about compensation - it's about holding the system accountable and helping prevent similar incidents from happening to other veterans.

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

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