Medical Malpractice at
Manchester VA Medical Center

As New Hampshire's main Veterans Affairs healthcare facility, the Manchester VA Medical Center gives essential medical services to veterans statewide. Located at 718 Smyth Road in Manchester, this facility offers a range of outpatient services including cardiology, neurology, mental health care, and ambulatory surgery.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at Manchester VA Medical Center despite generally appropriate care. Veterans harmed by poor medical care can seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict deadlines that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

The Archuleta Law Firm's medical and legal expertise allows us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice claims. Because our founder is a licensed physician and attorney, we have specialized insight into the medical and legal aspects of VA healthcare negligence cases. We understand the complexities of FTCA claims and how to properly document damages in federal court.

Established in 1950, the Manchester VA Medical Center operates as part of the VA New England Healthcare System (VISN 1). Though it opened as a full-service hospital, the facility began focusing on outpatient and ambulatory care services in 1999. Today, it serves veterans through its main campus and four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics located in Conway, Portsmouth, Somersworth, and Tilton.

The facility employs approximately 500 healthcare professionals across its locations, offering specialized services in cardiology, neurology, audiology, mental health, and ambulatory surgery. Veterans requiring inpatient acute care are referred to partner facilities including the Boston VA Medical Center, White River Junction VA Medical Center, or Concord Hospital.

The Manchester VA Medical Center serves as New Hampshire's sole VA facility, delivering essential healthcare to the state's veterans. While no longer operating as a full-service hospital, it maintains important specialty clinics and coordinates comprehensive care through its network of community clinics and partner facilities.

• Surgical Errors: As an ambulatory surgery center, Manchester VA Medical Center performs various outpatient procedures. Surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, or post-operative complications. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses are particularly concerning in specialties like cardiology and neurology. When providers fail to properly evaluate symptoms or order appropriate tests, veterans can suffer devastating consequences from untreated conditions. Learn more about diagnostic errors →

• Medication Errors: Veterans often manage multiple prescriptions through VA pharmacies. Medication mistakes can occur through incorrect dosing, dangerous drug interactions, or failure to account for allergies. These errors can cause serious harm or death.

• Emergency Care Delays: While the facility offers urgent care rather than full emergency services, delays in assessing critical conditions or failures to transfer patients appropriately can lead to preventable harm. Learn more about emergency care errors →

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 Manchester VA Medical Center. This claim is submitted using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and must include detailed documentation of the negligent care and resulting damages.

The administrative claim must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Once submitted, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Veterans must file Manchester VA Medical Center claims with the VA Regional Counsel office overseeing New Hampshire facilities. Working with an experienced FTCA attorney is crucial, as these claims involve complex federal regulations and strict procedural requirements that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice cases.

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in New Hampshire →

New Hampshire's three-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 507-C:4) does not apply to FTCA claims against Manchester VA Medical Center. Instead, these claims are governed by the FTCA's two-year statute of limitations. While New Hampshire does not impose damage caps in medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims are subject to federal restrictions on certain types of damages.

For detailed information about New Hampshire's medical malpractice laws and how they interact with FTCA requirements, visit our state guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in New Hampshire →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 within two years of discovering the malpractice. This claim should be submitted to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office with supporting medical documentation and evidence of damages.

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

Under the FTCA, you have two years from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.

Can I sue Manchester VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first filing an administrative claim. If that claim is denied, you can then file a lawsuit against the United States government, not the facility itself.

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

You may be eligible to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). However, the FTCA does not allow punitive damages, and compensation must be calculated according to federal guidelines.

Do I need a New Hampshire attorney for my Manchester VA Medical Center claim?

While not legally required, working with an attorney experienced in FTCA claims is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal regulations and procedures that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice claims.

If you experience a medical emergency due to negligent care, seek immediate treatment at the nearest emergency facility, whether VA or private. Document all care received and notify your VA primary care team. Emergency care costs may be recoverable as damages in your FTCA claim.

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Manchester VA Medical Center, you have important rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), but there are strict deadlines you must follow. You have two years from the date of the negligent act to file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This is a crucial first step - missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation for VA medical malpractice.

The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you have six months from that date to file a federal lawsuit. These timing requirements make it essential to contact an experienced FTCA attorney as soon as you suspect medical negligence.

For VA medical malpractice cases, working with a doctor-attorney provides distinct advantages. These specialized attorneys understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that VA healthcare providers must meet. At the Manchester VA Medical Center specifically, a doctor-attorney can properly evaluate whether your care fell below acceptable standards and effectively communicate these technical details to the court.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover several types of damages. These include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For veterans' families, damages may also include loss of companionship and support. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on compensation amounts.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you or a family member experienced substandard care at the Manchester VA Medical Center. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and determine if you have a viable claim. During this consultation, you can discuss your situation confidentially and learn more about the FTCA process specific to your case. Remember, protecting your rights starts with understanding them - reach out to a qualified doctor-attorney today to evaluate your potential claim.

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

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