Medical Malpractice at
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center serves as a crucial healthcare provider for veterans throughout metropolitan Detroit and southeast Michigan. The medical center provides comprehensive services from primary care to specialized cardiology, oncology, and surgical treatments through its affiliation with Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any institution, despite the quality care most veterans receive here. Veterans harmed by poor care at the Detroit VA Medical Center can seek compensation for their injuries under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Because our firm's founder is both a licensed attorney and medical doctor, he brings unique insight to VA medical malpractice cases. With our experience handling FTCA claims against VA facilities and our medical expertise, we thoroughly evaluate claims and identify deviations in care that other firms might miss.

Named after John D. Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress and dedicated veterans' advocate, this modern medical center opened in 1996 to replace the previous Detroit VA hospital. Located at 4646 John R. Street in Detroit, the facility operates under the leadership of Director Dr. Pamela Reeves and Chief of Staff Dr. Robert McDivitt.

The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services including:

• 24/7 Emergency Department: Full-service emergency care for veterans
• Primary Care Services: Routine and preventive care
• Specialty Services: Including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and women's health
• Mental Health Programs: Both inpatient and outpatient services
• Surgical Services: Advanced surgical capabilities
• Rehabilitation Services: Comprehensive recovery programs

As a Wayne State University School of Medicine affiliate, the facility also serves as a teaching hospital, educating future healthcare providers and maintaining high standards of medical care for veterans.

• Surgical Errors: Complications from improper surgical technique, wrong-site surgery, or post-operative care failures can have devastating consequences. VA surgical departments often face challenges with staffing and resource allocation that can increase error risks. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The busy Detroit VA emergency department must properly triage and treat veterans experiencing acute medical conditions. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or failure to admit can lead to serious harm. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses, especially for serious conditions like cancer or heart disease, can worsen outcomes and reduce survival rates. These errors often occur due to communication breakdowns between departments. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Incorrect medication types, doses, or combinations can cause severe adverse reactions. VA pharmacy systems must carefully coordinate with multiple departments to prevent these potentially fatal mistakes.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim with the VA before pursuing a lawsuit. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the alleged malpractice and resulting damages.

For claims involving the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office responsible for Michigan. The claim must include documentation supporting both the occurrence of malpractice and the extent of damages suffered.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims:

• Two-Year Statute of Limitations: The administrative claim must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered
• Six-Month Review Period: The VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim
• Federal Lawsuit Window: If the claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit

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

While Michigan state law sets a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (MCL § 600.5805), FTCA claims follow federal timelines. However, Michigan's medical malpractice damage caps may influence the compensation available in FTCA cases, as federal courts often consider state limitations.

Federal and state laws interact complexly when calculating damages in VA medical malpractice cases. For detailed information about how Michigan law affects VA malpractice claims, visit our Michigan Military & VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Michigan facilities:

• Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center (Saginaw) →
• Battle Creek VA Medical Center (Battle Creek) →
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center (Ann Arbor) →
• Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility (Iron Mountain) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent VA medical care, but the process is complex and time-sensitive.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew (or should have known) about the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable for VA medical malpractice cases. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their dual expertise helps build stronger cases and typically results in better outcomes for veterans and their families.

Through an FTCA claim against the Detroit VA Medical Center, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. In cases involving wrongful death, families may recover funeral expenses and loss of support damages.

The FTCA process at the Detroit VA can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with medical issues. Don't risk losing your right to compensation due to missed deadlines or procedural errors. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free case evaluations to review your medical records and determine if you have a valid claim. During this consultation, you can learn about your legal options without any financial obligation.

Remember, filing an FTCA claim is different from filing a VA disability claim or appeal. You need specialized legal representation to navigate this process successfully. Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney who handles VA cases for a free evaluation of your potential claim against the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.

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

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