Medical Malpractice at
Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility

The Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, serves as a crucial healthcare provider for veterans across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin. This VA medical center delivers essential medical services including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services to thousands of veterans across its 20,000-square-mile service area.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any VA medical center, including this well-established facility. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard medical care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.

Our firm's founder is both a licensed attorney and medical doctor, providing unique insight to VA medical malpractice cases at the Oscar G. Johnson facility. Our experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, combined with our medical expertise, allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims and identify departures from the standard of care that other firms might miss.

Established in 1950, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center operates as a full-service medical facility providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. The facility is named after Medal of Honor recipient Oscar G. Johnson from Foster City, Michigan, honoring his World War II service and sacrifice.

Nine primary care teams work alongside seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) throughout the region. Key medical services include audiology, cancer treatment, cardiology, dental care, dermatology, and complementary health services. The facility also offers specialized programs in caregiver support and chiropractic care.

This VA medical center provides essential routine and specialized care to veterans across Michigan, reducing their need to travel long distances.

• Surgical Errors: Because the facility offers surgical services, errors such as wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, and anesthesia mistakes can occur. These often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Veterans may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in cancer cases or cardiac conditions. Rushed examinations or a failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests often cause these errors. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, or dangerous drug interactions can occur, especially with the complex medication regimens many veterans require. These errors can lead to serious complications or death.

• Emergency Care Delays: The facility's emergency department may delay treatment or fail to recognize urgent conditions, particularly during peak hours or with staff shortages. Learn more about emergency room error claims →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice. This claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office that oversees the Oscar G. Johnson facility.

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Critical documentation must accompany the administrative claim, including medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of damages. Given the complexity of FTCA claims and the specialized nature of VA medical care, working with attorneys who understand both medicine and federal tort law is essential.

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

Michigan's medical malpractice laws, including the statute of limitations (MCL § 600.5805(8)), can impact FTCA claims filed against the Oscar G. Johnson facility. While state damage caps typically don't apply directly to federal FTCA claims, Michigan's medical malpractice standards may be considered when determining the standard of care.

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

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) →
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center (Ann Arbor) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice or negligent care at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, understanding the FTCA process is crucial for protecting your legal rights and obtaining compensation for injuries caused by VA medical negligence.

The FTCA has strict deadlines you must follow. You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any lawsuit can proceed. Once your claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have the right to file a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases at facilities like Oscar G. Johnson, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized professionals understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that should have been provided. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and build a strong case by connecting your injuries directly to the negligent care received.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical expenses needed to treat injuries caused by negligent care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and damages for pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent disability or long-term effects, future medical costs and ongoing care needs can also be included in your claim.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you believe you've been harmed by negligent care at the Iron Mountain VA facility. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this evaluation, an experienced attorney can review your situation, explain your rights under the FTCA, and help you understand the best path forward. Remember, these initial consultations are completely free and come with no obligation to proceed with a claim.

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 →