Medical Malpractice at
Baltimore VA Medical Center

The Baltimore VA Medical Center provides Maryland veterans with critical healthcare services, including surgery, emergency care, cardiology, and specialized programs. As part of the VA Maryland Health Care System, this facility plays an essential role in delivering healthcare to those who have served our nation.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at this facility, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. When medical malpractice happens at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, veterans have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise sets us apart. Our founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, allowing us to provide exceptional insight into VA medical malpractice cases. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for our clients, we understand the complexities of pursuing FTCA claims against VA facilities.

The Baltimore VA Medical Center is a major veterans' healthcare facility located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. This comprehensive medical center provides both primary care and specialized medical services to veterans throughout the region. The facility operates as part of the larger VA Maryland Health Care System, working in conjunction with other VA facilities to serve Maryland's veteran population.

At the medical center, veterans can access diverse healthcare services, from addiction treatment and audiology to cancer care and dental services. With specialized programs designed for veterans' unique needs, veterans can access both outpatient and inpatient care.

• Surgical Errors: Surgical mistakes at the Baltimore VA Medical Center can include wrong-site surgery, surgical items left inside patients, or unaddressed post-operative complications. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The emergency department handles urgent veteran care needs, but errors in triage, delayed treatment, or misdiagnosis can seriously harm veterans. Veterans may experience worsened conditions due to extended wait times or incorrect initial assessments. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: Missed or delayed diagnoses at this facility can have severe consequences, particularly in cases involving cancer, cardiac conditions, or neurological disorders. These errors often stem from failing to order appropriate tests or properly interpret results. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, or medication interactions can cause serious harm to veterans. These errors may occur due to understaffing, communication issues, or electronic health record problems common in VA facilities. birth injury claims at VA hospitals →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against the Baltimore VA Medical Center. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to document your claim for damages.

The law imposes strict deadlines for filing FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once the VA receives the claim, they have six months to investigate and make a decision. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

It's crucial to understand that you cannot sue VA employees directly - all claims must be brought against the United States government through the FTCA process. Working with attorneys who understand both medical care and federal law can significantly impact your claim's success.

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

Maryland's general medical malpractice statute of limitations (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109) differs from the FTCA requirements that govern VA facility claims. While Maryland law typically allows five years from the time of injury or three years from discovery, FTCA claims must follow the stricter federal two-year deadline.

Maryland's cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases may affect FTCA claims, as federal courts often apply state damage limitations. However, there is no cap on economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages.

How do I file a malpractice claim against Baltimore VA Medical Center?

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA. This form must include detailed information about your injury and the damages you're claiming. Our doctor-attorney team can help ensure your claim is properly documented and filed.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Baltimore VA Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered your injury to file an administrative claim under the FTCA. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Baltimore VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. All claims must be filed against the United States government through the FTCA process.

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

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be awarded against the federal government.

Do I need a Maryland attorney for my Baltimore VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, working with attorneys experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm handles VA medical malpractice cases nationwide.

How long does the claims process take?

The VA has six months to investigate your administrative claim. If denied or no decision is made, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit. The total timeline varies but typically takes 1-2 years or longer.

Filing a medical malpractice claim against Baltimore VA Medical Center requires understanding both complex federal FTCA procedures and the unique aspects of VA Medical Centers like Baltimore VA Medical Center. The Archuleta Law Firm offers unparalleled expertise:

• 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 Baltimore VA Medical Center.
• Exclusive FTCA Focus: We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Baltimore 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 Baltimore VA Medical Center 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.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Maryland facilities:

• Loch Raven VA Medical Center (Baltimore) →
• Perry Point VA Medical Center (Perry Point) →
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member in Maryland, you have legal options, but strict deadlines apply. You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Once you submit your administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the VA has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

Medical malpractice cases involving the Baltimore VA are uniquely complex because they combine both medical and legal expertise. Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. A doctor-attorney can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. This specialized knowledge often proves invaluable when building a strong case for veterans who have suffered harm.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've had to seek corrective care at private facilities due to VA negligence, these expenses can also be included in your claim. For surviving family members, wrongful death damages may be available, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Given the complexity of these cases and strict deadlines, it's crucial to have your situation evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney as soon as possible. Contact a qualified doctor-attorney for a free, confidential review of your Baltimore VA Medical Center case to understand your options and ensure your rights are protected. Remember, taking action not only helps secure your future but also promotes accountability within the VA healthcare system.

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

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