Medical Malpractice at
Omaha VA Medical Center

The Omaha VA Medical Center is a key part of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, serving veterans in Nebraska and Western Iowa. Located at 4101 Woolworth Avenue, this 99-bed medical center provides comprehensive care including emergency services, specialty care, and surgical procedures to over 40,000 veterans annually. If you or a loved one has experienced medical negligence at a VA facility in Nebraska, our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and options. Learn more about VA medical malpractice claims in Nebraska →

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any facility, even though most veterans receive appropriate care at Omaha VA Medical Center. If veterans are harmed by poor care at the Omaha VA Medical Center, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows them to seek compensation.

Our firm's founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, bringing unique medical and legal expertise to VA medical malpractice cases. This doctor-attorney perspective allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims against the Omaha VA Medical Center and effectively advocate for veterans who have been harmed by medical negligence.

The Omaha VA Medical Center is a full-service VA facility, offering primary, specialty, and emergency care to veterans. In 2020, the center completed a major construction project adding a new 157,000-square-foot ambulatory care center to expand access to outpatient services. This $86 million expansion significantly improved the facility's capacity to serve veterans in the region.

The facility works with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Medicine to train healthcare providers and give veterans advanced medical care. Over 500 medical residents and students rotate through the facility annually.

Key services provided include:

• Advanced cardiology care including cardiac catheterization
• Comprehensive mental health programs
• Modern surgical suites for multiple specialties
• 24/7 emergency department
• Specialized women's health services
• Full-service imaging and diagnostic facilities
• Rehabilitation services
• Primary care clinics

The medical center offers comprehensive diagnostic capabilities and treatment options across multiple specialties including audiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, urology, and dental care. The facility's modern infrastructure supports both routine procedures and complex medical interventions.

• Surgical Errors: The facility performs thousands of surgical procedures annually across multiple specialties. Common errors can include:

  • Wrong-site surgery
  • Retained surgical instruments
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Post-operative infection due to negligence
  • Delayed surgical intervention Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles over 15,000 visits annually. Critical errors often involve:

  • Delayed triage and treatment
  • Misdiagnosis of acute conditions
  • Failure to order appropriate tests
  • Premature discharge
  • Inadequate monitoring Learn more about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Complex medical conditions require thorough evaluation. Common diagnostic errors include:

  • Missed cancer diagnoses
  • Delayed identification of cardiac conditions
  • Failure to recognize neurological disorders
  • Inadequate diagnostic testing
  • Poor communication between departments Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Despite electronic safeguards, medication mistakes occur through:

  • Incorrect medication selection
  • Dosing errors
  • Failed drug interaction checks
  • Improper medication reconciliation
  • Documentation errors

The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) requires veterans to complete a specific administrative process before pursuing legal action. This process involves several critical steps:

1. Documentation Gathering: Collect all relevant medical records, witness statements, and evidence of harm.

2. Administrative Claim Filing: Submit Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to: VA Regional Counsel Office of General Counsel 2323 Grand Boulevard, Suite 1100 Kansas City, MO 64108

3. Claim Review Period: The VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim.

4. Federal Lawsuit: If denied or no response received, veterans have six months to file in federal court.

For detailed guidance, see our comprehensive resource: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Nebraska →

While FTCA claims operate under federal law, Nebraska state law can influence certain aspects of VA medical malpractice cases. Key considerations include:

• Statute of Limitations: The FTCA's two-year filing deadline takes precedence over Nebraska's timeline (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 44-2828).

• Damage Calculations: While state caps don't strictly apply, courts may reference Nebraska standards when determining compensation.

• Expert Testimony: Claims typically require medical expert testimony meeting both federal and state standards.

• Causation Standards: Nebraska's medical causation requirements may influence how FTCA claims are evaluated.

Learn more about Nebraska VA medical malpractice law →

How do I file a malpractice claim against Omaha VA Medical Center?

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Kansas City. Our firm's doctor-attorney team can help prepare and submit this crucial documentation properly.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Omaha VA Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Omaha VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, naming the United States as the defendant, not individual providers or the facility itself.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Omaha VA Medical Center?

Recoverable damages may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability costs
• Rehabilitation expenses Our firm has recovered over $145 million for veterans harmed by VA medical malpractice.

Do I need a Nebraska attorney for my Omaha VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, working with attorneys experienced in FTCA claims is highly recommended. Our firm handles VA medical malpractice cases nationwide and understands both the medical and legal aspects of these complex claims.

How long does the claims process take?

The process typically takes 12-18 months minimum, including the six-month VA review period. Complex cases may take longer, especially if a federal lawsuit becomes necessary after the administrative claim.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Nebraska facilities:

• Grand Island VA Medical Center (Grand Island) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Omaha VA Medical Center, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), but it's crucial to understand the strict deadlines and procedures involved. You must file your FTCA claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Once you file the administrative claim (Form SF-95) with the VA, the agency has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases in Omaha, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. 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 articulate how the VA's negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim against the Omaha VA Medical Center, you may be entitled 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' surviving family members, wrongful death damages may also be available, including funeral expenses and loss of support.

The FTCA claims process is notably different from standard medical malpractice cases, with unique procedural requirements and limitations. Missing a deadline or failing to properly document your claim could prevent you from receiving any compensation. Additionally, the VA has experienced attorneys defending these cases, making it essential to have knowledgeable legal representation on your side.

Don't navigate this complex process alone. Many attorneys who specialize in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, you can discuss your experience at the Omaha VA Medical Center, learn about your legal options, and determine if you have a viable claim - all without any financial obligation. Time is critical in these cases, so it's important to reach out to a qualified attorney as soon as you suspect medical negligence has occurred.

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

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