Medical Malpractice at
Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center

The Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center in Leeds, Massachusetts serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans across five counties in central and western Massachusetts. This 145-bed teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, serves over 120,000 veterans with specialized care in behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and cardiology.

While the facility strives to maintain high standards of care, medical errors and negligence can still occur. Veterans harmed by poor care at this facility have legal rights to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm offers expertise in VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. Our medical and legal training enables us to understand complex medical issues and navigate the intricate FTCA claims process. Because of our medical and legal experience, we've recovered over $145 million for veterans harmed by medical negligence.

Established in 1924, the Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center holds the distinction of being the first neuropsychiatric hospital for veterans in the United States. This teaching facility now operates as part of the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, providing healthcare through its main campus in Leeds and seven outpatient clinics.

The medical center maintains 85 behavioral health beds, a 44-bed nursing care unit, and a 16-bed substance abuse treatment unit. As a teaching hospital, it partners with UMass Medical School and other institutions to provide training in multiple healthcare disciplines including dentistry, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, and social work. The facility offers specialized services in cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and radiation therapy, though notably does not maintain an emergency department.

This VA medical center serves veterans in Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties as a vital part of Massachusetts's veteran healthcare network. The facility offers inpatient and outpatient care, ranging from routine medical care to specialized programs for PTSD, substance abuse, and chronic conditions.

• Behavioral Health Errors: Given the facility's large behavioral health unit, mistakes in suicide risk assessment, medication management, and patient monitoring can have devastating consequences. Poor documentation or inadequate safety protocols may constitute negligence. Learn more about mental health malpractice →

• Surgical Complications: The facility performs various surgical procedures including joint replacements and cardiac operations. Surgical errors, wrong-site surgery, and post-operative complications can result from inadequate pre-operative planning or substandard surgical technique. Learn more about surgical malpractice →

• Medication Errors: With multiple specialty units handling complex medication regimens, errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can occur. Veterans with multiple conditions are particularly vulnerable to adverse drug interactions. Learn more about medication errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: Delays or failures in diagnosing serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders can lead to worse outcomes. The absence of 24-hour emergency services may contribute to delayed diagnoses in some cases. Learn more about diagnostic errors →

• Treatment Coordination Issues: The facility's teaching hospital status and multiple specialty services require careful coordination of care. Communication breakdowns between departments or providers can result in treatment errors. Learn more about coordination of care errors →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA office within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered.

For claims involving the Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center, the SF-95 should be submitted to:

Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053

After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or six months pass without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. These deadlines are strict – missing them can permanently bar your right to compensation.

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

Massachusetts law typically requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within three years (M.G.L. c. 260, § 4). However, FTCA claims follow federal deadlines, requiring administrative claims within two years. While Massachusetts has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice, FTCA claims may be subject to federal limitations on certain types of damages.

For detailed information about how Massachusetts law affects VA medical malpractice claims, visit our state guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Massachusetts →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Massachusetts facilities:

• Brockton VA Medical Center (Brockton) →
• Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital (Bedford) →
• Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center (Boston) →
• West Roxbury VA Medical Center (West Roxbury) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center in Leeds, Massachusetts, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims follow strict procedures and timelines that you must understand to protect your interests.

The FTCA requires that you file your claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the negligent care. This begins with filing Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a lawsuit in federal court if necessary.

For veterans and military families dealing with the Leeds VA facility, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor provides crucial advantages. A doctor-attorney can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA healthcare providers. This medical expertise is particularly valuable when building evidence for your case and determining the full scope of damages you've suffered.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've experienced additional disabilities or worsened conditions due to VA negligence, these damages can be substantial and may include long-term care costs and disability accommodations.

Don't navigate this complex process alone. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to your situation, and determine if you have a viable claim against the Leeds VA Medical Center.

Remember, while the VA provides valuable services to veterans, they must be held accountable when negligent care causes harm. Taking action not only helps secure the compensation you deserve but also promotes better care for all veterans. Contact a qualified doctor-attorney today for a confidential, no-cost evaluation of your potential claim.

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 →