Medical Malpractice at
Alexandria VA Medical Center

Located in Pineville, Louisiana, the Alexandria VA Medical Center is a critical healthcare facility for veterans in Central Louisiana. As a full-service VA medical center, it provides essential medical care including primary care, specialty services, emergency treatment, and mental health support to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any institution, even though most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility. If veterans suffer harm from substandard care at the Alexandria VA Medical Center, they can seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique team includes both a licensed physician and attorney who understands the complexities of VA medical malpractice cases. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for our clients, we can evaluate claims against the Alexandria VA Medical Center and fight for the compensation veterans deserve.

As a full-service facility, the Alexandria VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans across Central Louisiana. Located at 2495 Shreveport Highway in Pineville, this facility operates under the leadership of Director Peter C. Dancy Jr. and serves as an essential component of Louisiana's VA healthcare network.

The medical center offers a wide range of medical services including cardiology, audiology, dental care, dermatology, gastroenterology, and gynecology. Veterans can access primary care and specialized treatment, especially comprehensive care for those with service-connected conditions.

The facility maintains dedicated programs for women's health services and caregiver support, demonstrating its commitment to serving the diverse needs of Louisiana's veteran population. Emergency care services are also available, making it a crucial medical resource for veterans requiring immediate attention.

• Surgical Errors: At the Alexandria VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can occur during both routine and complex procedures. These errors may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's emergency department handles urgent veteran care, but rushed decisions and understaffing can lead to critical errors. Common issues include delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, and failure to properly monitor patients. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: Veterans may experience delayed or incorrect diagnoses, particularly in specialties like cardiology and gastroenterology. These mistakes can lead to worsened conditions or inappropriate treatments. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, and medication interactions can cause serious harm. These errors often occur due to communication breakdowns between departments or electronic health record issues.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against the Alexandria VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the incident, injuries, and damages sought.

The claim should be filed with: Office of General Counsel (027) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

Veterans must follow strict claim filing deadlines. The statute of limitations requires filing within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires 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 Louisiana →

While Louisiana state law typically imposes a one-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims against the Alexandria VA Medical Center follow federal law's two-year statute of limitations. Louisiana's medical malpractice damage caps do not apply to FTCA claims, which are governed by federal law and evaluated based on the state's comparative negligence standards.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Office of General Counsel. This claim must detail the incident, injuries, and damages sought, and must be filed within two years of discovering the malpractice.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Alexandria 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 typically bars you from seeking compensation.

Can I sue Alexandria VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA and following specific federal procedures.

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

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. Unlike state claims, FTCA cases are not subject to Louisiana's damage caps.

Do I need a Louisiana attorney for my Alexandria VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, it's highly recommended to work with an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice. Our firm's doctor-attorney brings unique medical and legal expertise to evaluate and pursue these complex cases.

What types of medical errors are most common at Alexandria VA Medical Center?

Common errors include surgical mistakes, medication errors, diagnostic delays, and emergency room mishaps. The specific types of errors often relate to the facility's primary services, including cardiology, gastroenterology, and primary care.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Louisiana facilities:

• Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital (Fort Polk) →
• New Orleans VA Medical Center (New Orleans) →
• Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when VA medical care falls below accepted standards and causes harm.

The FTCA process begins with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 within two years of when you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. This deadline is strict - missing it typically means losing your right to pursue a claim. Once you file, 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 cases involving the Alexandria VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. They can determine whether delays in diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or other forms of negligence occurred and how they impacted your health.

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 has died due to negligent care, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Louisiana.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Many law firms that handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, you can learn whether you have a viable claim, understand the strength of your case, and get answers about the FTCA process. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive - the sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, 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 Louisiana:

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