Medical Malpractice at
Biloxi VA Medical Center

The Biloxi VA Medical Center, officially part of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans across Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. This facility has 230 beds and offers veterans comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and mental health treatment.

While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can occur even at well-established institutions. When medical malpractice happens at the Biloxi VA Medical Center, veterans have the right to seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

As a law firm led by both a licensed physician and attorney, we bring unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice claims. With our understanding of complex medical issues and over 25 years of FTCA litigation experience, we effectively advocate for veterans harmed at VA facilities.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Biloxi VA Medical Center completed a $310 million reconstruction to modernize and expand its facilities. Today, it stands as a comprehensive medical center providing both primary and specialty care services to veterans across the Gulf Coast region.

The facility offers a wide range of specialized medical services, including:

• Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department services
• Surgical Services: General, orthopedic, and vascular surgery
• Specialty Care: Cardiology, audiology, dental, and dermatology
• Mental Health Services: Comprehensive psychiatric and counseling programs

The medical center trains future healthcare providers through its affiliation with William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine while prioritizing veteran care.

• Emergency Department Errors: The facility's emergency department has faced scrutiny regarding oversight and communication processes, as documented in VA OIG Report #20-03593-168. Emergency care mistakes can include delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or failure to properly monitor patients. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Surgical Complications: With multiple surgical specialties offered, errors can occur during pre-operative planning, during surgery, or in post-operative care. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or post-surgical infections. Learn more about surgical errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: Given the complex medical conditions many veterans face, accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial. Missed or delayed diagnoses can lead to serious complications or death. Learn more about misdiagnosis →

• Medication Errors: The pharmacy system at VA facilities can be complex, leading to potential medication errors including incorrect dosing, wrong medications, or harmful drug interactions. These errors can occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

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 at the Biloxi VA Medical Center. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For claims involving the Biloxi VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with:

Office of Regional Counsel (02) Department of Veterans Affairs 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Drive Jackson, MS 39216

Time limits are strictly enforced in FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of the date they discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or six months pass 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 Mississippi →

Mississippi's medical malpractice laws, including the statute of limitations (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-36), differ from federal FTCA requirements. While state damage caps exist under Mississippi law, FTCA claims are governed by federal law, which may affect potential compensation differently.

For detailed information about how Mississippi law intersects with FTCA claims, please review our state guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Mississippi →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Mississippi facilities:

• G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center (Jackson) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Biloxi 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 when VA healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care.

The FTCA process begins with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 within two years of when you discovered the malpractice. This is a strict deadline - missing it means losing your right to pursue compensation. Once you submit your claim to the VA, they have 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 in Biloxi, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized lawyers understand both the complex medical issues and the unique legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with medical experts who may need to testify in your case.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If you've lost a loved one due to VA medical negligence, you may be able to pursue wrongful death damages as well. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Mississippi.

Given the complexity of these cases and the strict deadlines involved, it's essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to evaluate your claim. During this consultation, they can help determine if you have a viable case and explain the next steps in the process. Remember, you served our country - now let an experienced attorney serve you by protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

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

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