Medical Malpractice at
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri serves as a crucial healthcare facility for veterans throughout southeastern Missouri. As a full-service VA medical center, it provides essential medical care including primary care, specialty services, mental health treatment, and various rehabilitation programs to those who have served our country.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at established VA medical centers, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care at this facility. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict deadlines that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

Our firm's founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor, bringing unique insight to VA medical malpractice cases. With medical and legal expertise, we thoroughly evaluate potential claims, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively advocate for veterans harmed at facilities like the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

Located at 1500 N. Westwood Blvd. in Poplar Bluff, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center serves as a primary healthcare resource for veterans in southeastern Missouri. Under the leadership of Director Patricia L. Hall, Ph.D., this facility provides comprehensive medical services through both inpatient and outpatient programs.

The medical center offers many specialty services, including cardiology, gastroenterology, audiology, dermatology, and chiropractic care. They also offer mental health services, addiction treatment, and specialized programs for domestic abuse support. The facility maintains urgent care capabilities to handle medical emergencies affecting the veteran population.

This medical center works with other VA facilities in Missouri to provide veterans complete access to needed medical services. The facility works to uphold the VA's mission of providing high-quality healthcare to those who have served our nation.

• Diagnostic Errors: Missed or delayed diagnoses can occur when providers fail to properly evaluate symptoms or order appropriate tests. These errors are concerning in cardiology and other specialty care services offered at this facility. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Mistakes: Veterans often require complex medication regimens. Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can lead to serious adverse reactions or treatment failures. These errors may occur in both outpatient and urgent care settings. birth injury claims →

• Surgical Complications: While specific surgical services vary, any surgical procedure carries risks. Preventable complications, wrong-site surgery, or post-operative infections may constitute malpractice when proper protocols aren't followed. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Care Delays: The urgent care department must properly triage and treat veterans requiring immediate medical attention. Delays in treatment or failure to recognize emergency conditions can have devastating consequences. Learn more about emergency care errors →

Veterans must file an administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) before pursuing medical malpractice legal action. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel in Washington, DC.

The process begins by submitting a detailed claim to: VA Office of General Counsel 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, 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 Missouri →

While Missouri state law generally limits medical malpractice claims to two years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.105), FTCA claims follow federal deadlines. However, Missouri damage caps may affect compensation amounts in FTCA cases through the application of state law principles to federal claims.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Missouri facilities:

• General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (Fort Leonard Wood) →
• Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital (Columbia) →
• John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital (St. Louis) →
• Kansas City VA Medical Center (Kansas City) →
• St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks (St. Louis) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities. However, these claims have strict deadlines and requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim with the VA using Standard Form 95. This is a crucial first step - if you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Once you file your claim, 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.

For VA medical malpractice cases, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. 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 is particularly valuable when dealing with cases involving the specialized care provided at facilities like Pershing VA Medical Center.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've sustained serious injuries due to medical negligence, these damages can help cover long-term care needs and support their families during recovery.

If you believe you've experienced medical negligence at Pershing VA Medical Center, you should consider speaking with an experienced FTCA attorney who can evaluate your case at no cost. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they secure compensation for you. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from understanding your rights and options under the FTCA. The sooner you reach out for a free case evaluation, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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

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