Medical Malpractice at
New Orleans VA Medical Center

The New Orleans VA Medical Center, part of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, is a crucial healthcare provider for over 70,000 veterans across 23 parishes. The VA demonstrated its commitment to veterans' healthcare by opening this state-of-the-art $1 billion facility in 2016 after Hurricane Katrina.

While the facility strives to maintain high standards of care through its affiliation with LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane University School of Medicine, medical errors and negligence can still occur. When veterans suffer harm due to medical malpractice at this facility, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Because our firm's founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor, he brings unique insight to VA medical malpractice cases. With our combined medical and legal expertise, we can thoroughly evaluate potential claims and identify deviations from the standard of care that other firms might miss.

Located at 2400 Canal Street in New Orleans, the New Orleans VA Medical Center is a 200-bed tertiary care facility. The modern 1.7 million square foot medical center opened in 2016, replacing the Hurricane Katrina-destroyed facility and marking one of the region's largest veteran healthcare investments.

The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and specialized medical treatments. As a teaching hospital affiliated with major medical schools, it maintains academic partnerships that support resident training and advanced medical research.

The facility serves veterans throughout southeastern Louisiana, offering both inpatient and outpatient care across multiple specialties. The New Orleans VA Medical Center serves as a crucial hub in the VA's Gulf Coast healthcare network with advanced technology and comprehensive medical services.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's extensive surgical services, errors can occur during general, cardiovascular, or orthopedic procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, or post-operative 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 errors include failure to properly triage, delayed treatment, or inappropriate discharge. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: With the facility's broad range of specialties, missed or delayed diagnoses can occur, particularly in complex cases requiring coordination between departments. These errors can lead to delayed treatment and worsened conditions. Learn more about diagnosis errors →

• Medication Errors: The complex nature of VA hospital systems can lead to medication mistakes, including incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors. These errors can occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings. birth injury claims →

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 claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).

For the New Orleans VA Medical Center, claims should be filed with: Office of Regional Counsel (025) Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. 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 Louisiana →

Louisiana law typically imposes a one-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (La. R.S. § 9:5628). However, FTCA claims follow federal guidelines with a two-year statute of limitations. While Louisiana normally caps medical malpractice damages at $500,000, these state caps do not apply to FTCA claims against the VA.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Louisiana facilities:

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

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the New Orleans VA Medical Center, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, it's crucial to understand that FTCA claims have strict deadlines - you must file your claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury. Once you file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the VA has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases in New Orleans, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with medical experts. Their unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows them to build stronger cases and maximize potential compensation for veterans and their families.

Through an FTCA claim against the New Orleans VA Medical Center, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving wrongful death, families may also recover funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims do not allow for punitive damages against the VA.

If you believe you've been harmed by negligent care at the New Orleans VA Medical Center, don't wait to seek legal help. Many attorney-physicians offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your legal options, and help determine if you have a viable FTCA claim. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive - the sooner you reach out for professional guidance, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact a qualified attorney-physician today to discuss your potential claim against the New Orleans VA Medical Center.

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 →