General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) is the main military medical facility at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, offering healthcare to active duty service members, their families, and military retirees. As a full-service military treatment facility, GLWACH offers emergency care, primary care, surgical services, obstetrics, pediatrics, and numerous specialty departments.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at military facilities, despite their high standards of care. When preventable medical mistakes happen at GLWACH, patients may have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These cases require specialized knowledge of both military medicine and federal tort law.
Archuleta Law Firm, led by a licensed physician-attorney, brings unique medical and legal expertise to military medical malpractice cases. Our deep understanding of military healthcare systems, combined with over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims, allows us to effectively advocate for patients harmed at facilities like GLWACH.
About General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital opened its current facility in 1995, replacing the original 1965 hospital building. GLWACH, an Army community hospital, serves the Fort Leonard Wood military community under Col. Aaron Pitney and is part of the Defense Health Agency's network of military treatment facilities.
The hospital provides comprehensive medical services including:
- Emergency Medicine: 24/7 emergency department
- Surgical Services: General and specialty surgical procedures
- Women's Health: Complete obstetric and gynecological care
- Primary Care: Family medicine and pediatrics
- Specialty Care: Internal medicine, behavioral health, and other specialties
GLWACH is vital to Missouri's military healthcare, serving Fort Leonard Wood and supporting military medical readiness through training programs and partnerships with civilian healthcare facilities.
Common Types of Malpractice at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital
Birth Injuries: Military hospitals like GLWACH handle thousands of deliveries annually. Delayed C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, and improper use of delivery tools can lead to serious birth injuries. Learn more about birth injury claims →
Surgical Errors: Surgical errors at GLWACH may include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. Military surgical teams face challenges like rotation schedules and deployment pressures. Learn more about surgical malpractice →
Emergency Room Mistakes: GLWACH's emergency department serves both routine and critical cases. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, and failure to order appropriate tests can have devastating consequences. Learn more about ER malpractice →
Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, and medication interactions can occur in any department. Military hospitals' use of rotating staff and multiple record systems may increase these risks.
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or infection can result in preventable harm. Military healthcare providers must maintain proper diagnostic protocols despite high patient volumes.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at GLWACH. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed documentation of the alleged negligence and resulting damages.
File your General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital administrative claims with the appropriate Army JAG office. The claim must include sufficient medical evidence and expert opinions supporting the allegation of negligence. Working with attorneys experienced in military medical malpractice ensures proper documentation and compliance with FTCA requirements.
Critical deadlines apply to FTCA claims:
- The administrative claim must be filed within 2 years of when the malpractice was discovered
- The military has 6 months to investigate and respond to the claim
- If the claim is denied, you have 6 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 Missouri →
Missouri Legal Considerations for General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Claims
Missouri's standard medical malpractice statute of limitations (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.105) does not directly apply to FTCA claims against GLWACH, which are governed by federal law. However, Missouri's damage caps may affect FTCA cases through the FTCA's requirement to apply state substantive law. Currently, Missouri caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at varying levels based on the type of injury.
For detailed information about how Missouri law affects military medical malpractice claims, visit our Missouri Military Medical Malpractice Guide →
Filing a Malpractice Claim
How do I file a malpractice claim against General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate military claims office. This claim must include detailed medical documentation and expert opinions supporting your case. Our firm can handle this complex process for you.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital?
Under the FTCA, you must file your administrative claim within 2 years of discovering the malpractice. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.
Can I sue General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital directly?
No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Claims must be filed against the United States government under the FTCA, following specific administrative procedures before any lawsuit can be filed in federal court.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital?
Compensable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Recovery is subject to FTCA rules and Missouri damage caps where applicable.
Do I need a Missouri attorney for my General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital claim?
While not required, you need an attorney experienced in federal military medical malpractice claims. These cases involve complex federal laws and procedures distinct from standard Missouri medical malpractice cases.
How long does a General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital malpractice claim take?
The process typically takes 1-2 years or longer. This includes the 6-month administrative review period and potential federal court proceedings if the administrative claim is denied.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Missouri
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Missouri facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, the FTCA provides your path to seeking compensation when medical care at this facility falls below acceptable standards.
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. This is done using Standard Form 95, which must detail the incident and specify an exact dollar amount for damages. The military hospital then 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 settled.
For cases involving General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable. Military medical malpractice cases involve complex medical issues unique to military healthcare systems. A doctor-attorney can better understand your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with military medical experts. This dual expertise is crucial in building a strong case and maximizing your chances of success.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages. These typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For military families, this can also include the cost of ongoing care, rehabilitation services, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications.
Given the complexity of these cases and the strict deadlines involved, it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many attorneys who specialize in military medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your case. This allows you to understand your legal options without any financial commitment. During this evaluation, an experienced attorney can assess the strength of your case, explain the FTCA process in detail, and help you determine the best path forward for you and your family.
Remember, while you served our country, you deserve proper medical care. If that standard wasn't met, you have the right to seek justice and compensation.
Related Case Types in Missouri
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Missouri:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital claim
- 🩺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 General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital 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 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.
Free Case Evaluation
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, you may have a right to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Archuleta Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation to help you understand your legal options:
- Review your General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.