Fort Harrison VA Medical Center serves as the flagship medical facility for veterans throughout Montana, providing comprehensive healthcare services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments. Located in Fort Harrison, Montana, this medical center has been serving our nation's veterans since 1922, offering critical services including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, and mental health treatment.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, despite most veterans receiving quality care at this established institution. 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 losses.
Our firm is uniquely qualified for Fort Harrison VA medical malpractice cases, with a licensed attorney and medical doctor leading our legal team. This doctor-attorney expertise allows us to thoroughly evaluate the medical aspects of your case while navigating the complex FTCA claims process. With over $145 million recovered for our clients and 25+ years of experience handling VA medical malpractice cases nationwide, we understand what it takes to hold VA facilities accountable.
About Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center is Montana's primary VA medical facility, providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans across the state. Established in 1922, this medical center has evolved into a modern healthcare facility offering both inpatient and outpatient services to the veteran community.
The facility provides a wide range of medical services including:
- Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department services
- Surgical Services: General and specialized surgical procedures
- Specialty Care: Cardiology, oncology, audiology, and dental services
- Mental Health: Comprehensive psychiatric and psychological care
- Primary Care: Routine medical care and preventive services
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, under Executive Director Dr. Judy Hayman, coordinates with VA facilities statewide to provide veterans comprehensive healthcare access.
Common Types of Malpractice at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: At Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or poor pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have severe consequences. Common errors include failure to properly triage patients or recognize time-sensitive conditions. Learn more about ER malpractice →
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses at Fort Harrison can occur in various departments, from primary care to specialty services. These errors often involve failures to order tests or misinterpret diagnostic results. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: Veterans receiving care at Fort Harrison may experience medication errors including incorrect dosing, dangerous drug interactions, or administration mistakes. These errors can be particularly serious given the complex medical needs of many veterans.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.
For Fort Harrison VA Medical Center claims, submissions should be directed to: VA Regional Office 3633 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Critical deadlines apply to these claims:
- Two-Year Statute: You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice
- Agency Review: The VA has six months to review and respond to your claim
- Federal Lawsuit: If your claim is denied, you 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 Montana →
Montana Legal Considerations for Fort Harrison VA Medical Center Claims
Montana's medical malpractice laws, including the three-year statute of limitations (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-205), differ from federal FTCA requirements. While Montana has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims follow federal guidelines regarding damages and compensation.
Claims against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center must follow federal FTCA procedures, regardless of state laws. However, Montana state law may still influence certain aspects of your case, particularly regarding the standard of care. Learn more about Montana VA malpractice laws →
How do I file a malpractice claim against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This must be done within two years of discovering the malpractice, and should include detailed documentation of your injury and damages.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center?
The FTCA requires you to file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.
Can I sue Fort Harrison VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Under the FTCA, you must first file an administrative claim with the VA and wait for their response before pursuing a federal lawsuit.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. The compensation amount depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact.
Do I need a Montana attorney for my Fort Harrison VA Medical Center claim?
While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that require specialized expertise.
What services at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center are covered by FTCA claims?
FTCA claims cover any medical service at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, and treatment. The key factor is proving that the care fell below accepted medical standards.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Montana
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Montana facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical malpractice or negligent care at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Montana, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This process allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when VA healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care.
It's crucial to understand that FTCA claims have strict deadlines. You must file your administrative claim (using Standard Form 95) within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Once you submit 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 six months to file a federal lawsuit.
For VA medical malpractice cases involving Fort Harrison, working with an attorney who also has medical training can significantly strengthen your case. A doctor-attorney understands both the complex medical issues and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and build a compelling case supported by medical evidence.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've sustained permanent injuries or disabilities due to VA medical negligence, damages may also cover long-term care needs and loss of quality of life.
If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, you should consider having your case evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your legal options. During this consultation, they can help determine if you have a viable claim and explain how to preserve your legal rights while navigating the complex FTCA process.
Remember, protecting your rights begins with taking timely action. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you'll be to build a strong case and meet all required deadlines. Contact a qualified FTCA attorney today for a free, confidential evaluation of your Fort Harrison VA medical malpractice claim.
Related Case Types in Montana
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Montana:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 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 Fort Harrison VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Fort Harrison 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 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
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Fort Harrison, Montana, 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 Fort Harrison VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Fort Harrison VA Medical Center.