Medical Malpractice at
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital

The Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts, is a critical healthcare facility for veterans, providing long-term care, mental health treatment, and specialized rehabilitation programs. The facility serves veterans needing acute and extended care through its 338 beds, including 224 for skilled nursing care.

Despite its important mission and dedicated staff, medical errors and negligent care can still occur at VA facilities like the Bedford hospital. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard medical care, they have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and procedures that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice cases.

As both a licensed physician and attorney, our firm's founder brings unique medical and legal expertise to VA medical malpractice cases. This combined knowledge allows us to thoroughly evaluate the medical aspects of your care while navigating the intricate FTCA claims process. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand what it takes to hold VA facilities accountable for negligent care.

The Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital, established in 1928, was one of the first veterans' hospitals in the country. The facility expanded from its initial neuropsychiatric care focus to offer comprehensive services over the decades. In 1978, it became the first VA medical center named after a woman, honoring Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, a champion of veterans' rights and co-author of the GI Bill.

Today, the facility operates as part of the VA Bedford Healthcare System, managing additional community-based outpatient clinics in Lynn, Haverhill, and Gloucester. The hospital provides comprehensive services including primary care, mental health treatment, long-term nursing care, palliative and hospice care, physical rehabilitation, and specialized programs for substance abuse and homeless veterans.

The facility has earned national recognition for its psychosocial rehabilitation programs and maintains accreditations from The Joint Commission, CARF, and LTCI. While not operating an emergency department, the hospital offers urgent care services and coordinates with other VA facilities to ensure veterans receive appropriate emergency care when needed.

• Long-Term Care Negligence: Given the facility's large skilled nursing unit, incidents of neglect, falls, pressure ulcers, and medication errors can occur. These issues often arise from inadequate staffing or poor care coordination. Learn more about nursing home negligence claims →

• Mental Health Treatment Errors: As a leader in psychiatric care, errors in medication management, suicide risk assessment, or treatment planning can have devastating consequences. VA facilities must maintain appropriate protocols to protect vulnerable patients. Learn more about psychiatric care errors →

• Medication Errors: With multiple departments managing complex medication regimens, errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can occur. These mistakes are particularly dangerous for elderly veterans with multiple health conditions. Learn more about medication errors →

• Rehabilitation Injuries: Physical therapy and rehabilitation services can result in injuries if not properly supervised or if exercises are too aggressive. Veterans recovering from surgery or injury are particularly vulnerable. Learn more about rehabilitation injuries →

The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) requires that before filing a lawsuit, you must first submit an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95). This claim must detail the specific acts of negligence, injuries suffered, and the amount of damages sought. The claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

Critical deadlines apply to FTCA claims against the Bedford VA facility. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For success, work with an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims. Our firm's doctor-attorney can evaluate the medical evidence, determine if the care met accepted standards, and ensure all procedural requirements are met. We handle cases nationwide and advance all costs of litigation.

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

While Massachusetts state law generally allows three years to file medical malpractice claims (M.G.L. c. 260, § 4), FTCA claims against the Bedford VA facility must follow the stricter two-year federal statute of limitations. Additionally, while Massachusetts caps non-economic damages at $500,000 in medical malpractice cases, this state law cap does not apply to FTCA claims against federal facilities.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This claim must be filed within two years of the incident and include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting injuries.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital?

The deadline is two years from when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. This is shorter than Massachusetts's three-year statute of limitations for private medical malpractice cases.

Can I sue Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital directly?

No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Under the FTCA, you must first file an administrative claim and allow the VA to investigate. Only after the claim is denied or six months pass can you file a federal lawsuit.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital?

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

Do I need a Massachusetts attorney for my Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital claim?

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's doctor-attorney brings unique medical expertise to evaluate your case.

What services at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital have the highest risk for malpractice?

The facility's specialties put long-term nursing care, mental health treatment, rehabilitation services, and medication management in the skilled nursing unit at the highest risk.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Massachusetts facilities:

• Brockton VA Medical Center (Brockton) →
• Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center (Leeds) →
• Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center (Boston) →
• West Roxbury VA Medical Center (West Roxbury) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities. However, the process has strict deadlines and requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim with the VA using Standard Form 95. This is a crucial first step - if you miss this deadline, you'll likely lose your right to pursue compensation. Once you submit your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. 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 Bedford VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These doctor-attorneys understand both the complex medical issues unique to veteran care and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately evaluate whether the care you received fell below acceptable medical standards and effectively communicate these issues to the court. This expertise is particularly important when dealing with conditions common among veterans, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, or complications from exposure to harmful substances.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've lost a family member due to negligent care, you may be eligible to recover wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims don't allow for punitive damages, but they can provide significant compensation to help you recover and move forward.

Don't try to navigate this complex process alone. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. They can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a viable claim against the Bedford VA. Remember, these consultations are confidential and come with no obligation. The sooner you reach out, 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 Massachusetts:

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