Medical Malpractice at
Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center

The Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services to approximately 69,000 Michigan veterans each year. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan Medical School, this facility offers extensive specialty care, including emergency services, surgery, cardiology, and mental health treatment.

Despite its important role in veteran healthcare, medical errors and negligence can occur at any healthcare facility, including the Kettles VA Medical Center. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – including our founder who holds both MD and JD degrees – allows us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice claims. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities.

The Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, renamed in 2021 to honor a distinguished Vietnam War veteran, operates as a full-service VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This facility serves as a major hub in the VA healthcare system, providing comprehensive medical services to veterans throughout Michigan and neighboring states.

The medical center partners with the University of Michigan Medical School to train over 1,500 healthcare professionals annually. This relationship enhances the facility's ability to provide advanced specialty care services, including critical care, cardiology, oncology, and mental health treatment.

Veterans receive a full spectrum of healthcare, including primary care, preventive medicine, complex surgeries, and emergency treatment. The facility's emergency department operates 24/7, ensuring veterans have continuous access to urgent medical care when needed.

• Surgical Errors: Because the facility is a major surgical center, errors can occur during both routine and complex procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24-hour emergency department addresses critical situations; delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. Common errors include failure to recognize heart attacks or strokes, delayed treatment, and improper triage. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: Veterans often face delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly for complex conditions like cancer or neurological disorders. These errors can result in delayed treatment and worsened outcomes. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Serious harm can result from prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, or failure to account for drug interactions. These errors are particularly concerning given the complex medication regimens many veterans require.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For claims involving the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, administrative claims must be filed with:

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel (Region 5) 333 Scott Street, Room 1004 Detroit, MI 48226

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans 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 →

FTCA claims follow federal guidelines, though Michigan state law sets a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (MCL § 600.5805). However, Michigan's damage caps and medical standard of care principles may influence how federal courts evaluate VA malpractice cases.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Detroit. This form must include detailed information about your injury and the amount of damages you're seeking.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.

Can I sue Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the VA facility directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government, not individual facilities or employees.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center?

You may be eligible to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Under the FTCA, damages follow Michigan state law. Economic damages have no federal cap, while non-economic damages may be subject to state limitations. Punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.

Do I need a Michigan attorney for my Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. These cases involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that require specialized expertise to navigate effectively.

What types of medical errors are most common at Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center?

Common errors include surgical complications, medication mistakes, diagnostic delays, and emergency room errors. The teaching hospital environment can sometimes contribute to communication errors between healthcare providers.

Filing a medical malpractice claim against Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center requires understanding both complex federal FTCA procedures and the unique aspects of VA Medical Centers like Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center. The Archuleta Law Firm offers unparalleled expertise:

• Doctor-Attorney on Staff: Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center.
• Exclusive FTCA Focus: We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center across all 50 states.
• Proven Track Record: With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center case.
• 25+ Years of Experience: Our firm brings decades of experience to every case, understanding the nuances of federal litigation and the specific challenges of suing federal facilities.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Michigan facilities:

• Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center (Saginaw) →
• Battle Creek VA Medical Center (Battle Creek) →
• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (Detroit) →
• Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility (Iron Mountain) →

If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to pursue compensation for negligent medical care, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific requirements.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This begins by 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 federal lawsuit if your claim is denied or inadequately resolved.

For VA medical malpractice cases, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor provides a significant advantage. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care and understand the complex medical issues unique to VA facilities. They can effectively review your medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and build a strong case that demonstrates how the VA's negligence impacted your health.

Through an FTCA claim against the Kettles VA Medical Center, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement, additional damages may be available. Family members may also be eligible to recover damages for loss of companionship or wrongful death.

If you or a family member received substandard care at the Kettles VA Medical Center, you should consider having your case evaluated by an experienced VA medical malpractice attorney. Many firms offer free initial consultations and will review your medical records at no cost to determine if you have a viable claim. Time is critical in these cases, so it's important to seek legal guidance as soon as you suspect medical negligence. Most attorneys handle VA malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.

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 →