Medical Malpractice at
West Roxbury VA Medical Center

West Roxbury VA Medical Center is New England's main tertiary care facility for veterans. It provides advanced surgical, cardiac, and specialty medical services. This high-complexity medical center has 158 inpatient beds. It performs thousands of procedures each year, including complex cardiac surgeries, cancer treatments, and specialized care via its nationally recognized spinal cord injury program.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at West Roxbury VA Medical Center, despite its prestigious status. If preventable medical mistakes harm veterans, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) offers a way to seek compensation. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm has unique expertise in VA medical malpractice claims, with a licensed physician-attorney and registered nurse on staff. This dual medical-legal background lets us evaluate claims against West Roxbury VA Medical Center and advocate for veterans harmed by substandard care.

West Roxbury VA Medical Center is classified as a 1a-High Complexity facility within the VA system, functioning as the regional referral center for intensive inpatient care across all six New England states. Located at 1400 VFW Parkway in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, the medical center features three intensive care units and a dedicated spinal cord injury center among its 158 inpatient beds.

The facility offers comprehensive specialty services including cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, oncology, and neurology. Its surgical programs encompass everything from complex cardiac procedures to cancer operations, while the facility's designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Center reflects its advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

West Roxbury became the primary inpatient facility for VA Boston Healthcare System after merging with Jamaica Plain VA in 2001. The medical center maintains academic affiliations with Boston University School of Medicine and hosts various medical training programs, including an accredited Optometry Residency Program.

• Cardiac Surgery Errors: Given West Roxbury's role as a major cardiac surgery center, errors during procedures like CABG, valve replacements, or TAVR can have devastating consequences. These cases often involve surgical technique issues or problems with bypass management. Learn more about surgical errors in Massachusetts →

• Emergency Department Mistakes: The facility's 24-hour emergency department handles critical cases daily. Delayed treatment, misread test results, or failure to recognize cardiac emergencies can lead to preventable harm. Learn about emergency room errors →

• Cancer Treatment Errors: As a Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Center, errors in chemotherapy administration, radiation therapy, or cancer diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes. Delays in diagnosis or treatment are particularly concerning. More about diagnosis errors →

• Critical Care Complications: With three ICUs, errors in ventilator management, medication administration, or monitoring can have severe consequences. Hospital-acquired infections and pressure injuries are also significant risks during extended ICU stays.

• Spinal Care Negligence: The facility's nationally recognized spinal cord injury program handles complex cases where surgical errors or post-operative care mistakes can lead to permanent disability.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation against West Roxbury VA Medical Center. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) detailing the alleged negligence and resulting damages.

Claims must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Federal law prevents direct lawsuits against individual West Roxbury VA Medical Center healthcare providers. All claims must proceed through the FTCA process, which has specific requirements for notice, documentation, and expert support that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

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

Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 260, § 4) typically provides a three-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. However, FTCA claims against West Roxbury VA Medical Center must follow the federal two-year deadline regardless of state law. While Massachusetts caps non-economic damages at $500,000 for state claims, these caps do not apply to FTCA cases, which are governed by federal law.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 within two years of discovering the malpractice. Our physician-attorney can help evaluate your claim and ensure proper documentation is submitted.

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

Under the FTCA, you have two years from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently.

Can I sue West Roxbury VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. All claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA.

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

FTCA claims can recover medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and compensation for pain and suffering. Unlike Massachusetts state claims, FTCA cases are not subject to state damage caps.

Do I need a Massachusetts attorney for my West Roxbury VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, you need an attorney experienced in federal FTCA claims. Our firm handles VA medical malpractice cases nationwide and offers the unique advantage of having both medical and legal expertise.

What if my care involved multiple VA facilities?

If your care involved both West Roxbury and other VA facilities, your claim can include all related negligent care. Our physician-attorney can review your complete medical history to identify all potential claims.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Massachusetts facilities:

• Brockton VA Medical Center (Brockton) →
• Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital (Bedford) →
• Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center (Leeds) →
• Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center (Boston) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the West Roxbury VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, this federal law allows you to seek compensation for injuries caused by VA medical providers, but there are strict deadlines you must follow.

You have two years from the date of the negligent medical care to file an administrative claim with the VA using Standard Form 95. This initial filing is mandatory before you can pursue a lawsuit. Once you submit your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within that timeframe, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For VA medical malpractice cases at West Roxbury, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA healthcare providers. Their dual expertise helps build stronger cases and often leads to better outcomes for veterans and their families.

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 treatment outside the VA system, these expenses can also be included in your claim. For surviving family members, wrongful death damages may be available.

Given the complexity of FTCA claims and the specialized nature of VA medical care, you should not attempt to navigate this process alone. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your options. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain the strength of your case, and outline potential compensation. The sooner you reach out, the more time your legal team will have to build a compelling case within the required deadlines.

Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help - most attorneys handling VA medical malpractice cases work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Contact a qualified doctor-attorney today to protect your rights and ensure you receive 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 →