Medical Malpractice at
Loch Raven VA Medical Center

Loch Raven VA Medical Center serves as a vital healthcare facility for veterans in Baltimore, Maryland, providing comprehensive rehabilitation, extended care, and specialized medical services. As a 1b-High Complexity facility within the VA Maryland Health Care System, it offers crucial services including physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric care, audiology, and diagnostic imaging to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at Loch Raven VA Medical Center, even though most care meets accepted standards. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict deadlines that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. With both medical and legal training, we understand the clinical standards of care as well as the federal regulations governing VA facilities. This distinctive combination, along with our 25+ years of experience and over $145 million recovered for clients, allows us to effectively advocate for veterans harmed at VA facilities.

Originally established in 1952 as a tuberculosis hospital, Loch Raven VA Medical Center has evolved into a modern medical facility providing comprehensive care to veterans. In 2013, a major renovation added 23,000 square feet of specialized treatment space to the facility. In 2018, it was renamed from the Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center to reflect its expanded role in providing both inpatient and outpatient services.

Today, the facility offers a wide range of specialized services including physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric care, audiology, blind and low vision rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. The center maintains particular expertise in treating complex conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Additionally, it provides essential extended care services including nursing care, physical therapy, and hospice services.

Loch Raven VA Medical Center is part of the VA Maryland Health Care System. It serves veterans throughout the Baltimore region, coordinating with the Baltimore VA Medical Center and other regional VA facilities to provide healthcare services.

• Rehabilitation Errors: Errors in therapy protocols, improper equipment use, and poor supervision during rehabilitation can cause serious injuries or delay recovery. Learn more about rehabilitation malpractice in Maryland →

• Diagnostic Failures: Delays or errors in interpreting diagnostic imaging results, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. This is particularly critical for conditions requiring immediate intervention. Learn more about diagnostic errors →

• Medication Errors: In extended care and rehabilitation settings, proper medication management is crucial. Errors in dosing, drug interactions, or medication timing can have severe consequences, especially for elderly veterans. Learn more about medication errors →

• Fall Prevention Failures: Because the facility focuses on geriatrics and rehabilitation, inadequate fall prevention or failure to assess fall risk can cause serious injuries. Learn more about nursing home negligence →

• Infection Control Issues: Hospital-acquired infections can be particularly dangerous in rehabilitation and extended care settings where patients may have compromised immune systems. Learn more about hospital infections →

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 legal action for medical malpractice at Loch Raven VA Medical Center. This claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office serving Maryland.

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of when they knew or should have known about their injury and its cause. 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.

Key evidence must be gathered to support your claim birth injury claims →, including medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. Given the complexity of federal regulations and medical evidence requirements, working with attorneys experienced in both medicine and VA malpractice claims can significantly impact your case's outcome.

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

Maryland's medical malpractice statute of limitations (Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109) typically allows three years to file claims. However, FTCA claims against Loch Raven VA Medical Center must follow federal deadlines instead. Maryland's cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases does apply to FTCA claims, as federal law incorporates state damage limitations.

For detailed information about Maryland-specific legal requirements and how they affect your VA medical malpractice claim, visit our comprehensive guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Maryland →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly filed and includes all necessary documentation.

Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. After the VA's decision or six-month review period, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit if necessary.

Can I sue Loch Raven VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA against the United States government, not individual VA employees or facilities. The process requires first filing an administrative claim before any lawsuit.

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

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and compensation for pain and suffering. However, damages are subject to Maryland's cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.

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

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both federal tort claims and medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney insight helps navigate both the medical and legal aspects of VA malpractice claims.

How long does the VA take to investigate malpractice claims at Loch Raven?

The VA has six months to investigate and respond to administrative claims. However, complex cases involving rehabilitation or long-term care issues may take the full period or longer to resolve through the administrative process.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Maryland facilities:

• Baltimore 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 Loch Raven VA Medical Center in Baltimore, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific requirements.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury caused by VA medical care. The first step is filing Form SF-95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If the VA denies your claim or fails to respond within six months, you have six months from that date to file a federal lawsuit.

For VA medical malpractice cases at Loch Raven, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that should have been provided. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and explain complex medical issues to the court in a compelling way.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans dealing with ongoing health issues due to negligent care at Loch Raven VA Medical Center, these damages can be substantial and may include long-term care costs and disability-related expenses.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you believe you've been harmed by medical negligence at Loch Raven VA Medical Center. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your rights under the FTCA, and help you understand if you have a viable claim. Remember, the sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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 →