Medical Malpractice at
Bath VA Medical Center

Bath VA Medical Center is a key healthcare facility serving veterans in New York's Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania. As part of the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, this 440-bed facility provides essential services including cardiology, orthopedic surgery, mental health care, and specialized rehabilitation programs for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and polytrauma.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at Bath VA Medical Center despite dedicated healthcare professionals striving to provide quality care. If veterans are harmed by poor care, they can seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict filing requirements that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice cases.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows us to effectively evaluate VA medical malpractice cases. Our team is led by a licensed physician and attorney, so we understand both clinical standards and the complex FTCA requirements for VA claims. Our 25+ years of experience and over $145 million recovered for clients demonstrates our commitment to helping veterans affected by medical negligence.

Established in 1877 by the Grand Army of the Republic to care for Civil War veterans, Bath VA Medical Center has a long history. Classified as a Level 3 facility, it continues to serve veterans in seven counties of New York and Pennsylvania, caring for over 12,000 each year.

The medical center offers comprehensive healthcare services including cardiology, orthopedics, mental health treatment, and specialized rehabilitation programs. The state-of-the-art polytrauma unit treats veterans with multiple severe injuries, and the community living center provides extended care services. The center is also notable for its addiction treatment programs and specialized PTSD care services.

As part of the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Bath VA Medical Center plays an essential role in providing accessible healthcare to veterans in rural areas. In 2013, the facility earned national historic district status while maintaining modern medical capabilities and expanding veteran services.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's focus on orthopedic procedures and minimally invasive cardiac interventions, surgical mistakes can occur during joint replacements or cardiac stent placements. VA staffing challenges and procedural oversights may contribute to these errors. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Medication Errors: With many veterans requiring complex medication regimens, particularly in the community living center and mental health units, proper medication management is crucial. Incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors can lead to serious harm. [Learn more about medication error claims birth injury claims → →](/state/new-york/medication-errors)

• Rehabilitation Mistakes: The facility's polytrauma and traumatic brain injury programs require precise treatment protocols. Errors in rehabilitation planning or execution can worsen injuries or delay recovery. Learn more about rehabilitation injury claims →

• Mental Health Treatment Errors: Given Bath VA's extensive mental health and addiction services, failures in suicide risk assessment, medication management, or proper monitoring can have devastating consequences. Learn more about mental health malpractice claims →

The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675) governs all medical malpractice claims against Bath VA Medical Center. Before filing a lawsuit, veterans must first submit an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95). This crucial first step must be completed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered.

Claims related to care at Bath VA Medical Center should be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office. The administrative claim must include detailed information about the incident, medical evidence supporting the claim, and a specific amount of damages being sought. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to the claim.

If the VA denies the claim or fails to resolve it within six months, you have the right to file a federal lawsuit. However, this lawsuit must be filed within six months of the VA's denial letter. Missing any of these deadlines can permanently bar your right to seek compensation.

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

While Bath VA Medical Center is located in New York, FTCA claims follow federal law rather than state medical malpractice statutes. However, New York's standard of care principles may still influence how the court evaluates medical negligence. Under New York CPLR § 214-a, the standard statute of limitations for medical malpractice is 2.5 years, but FTCA claims must strictly follow the federal two-year deadline.

For detailed information about how New York law intersects with FTCA claims, visit our main page: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in New York →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these New York facilities:

• Batavia VA Medical Center (Batavia) →
• Brooklyn VA Medical Center (Brooklyn) →
• Buffalo VA Medical Center (Buffalo) →
• Canandaigua VA Medical Center (Canandaigua) →
• Castle Point VA Medical Center (Wappingers Falls) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Bath VA Medical Center in Bath, New York, you have the right to pursue a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, it's crucial to understand that FTCA claims follow strict timelines and procedures that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If the VA denies your claim or fails to resolve it within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases at facilities like Bath VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care and understand the complex medical issues unique to veteran healthcare. They can effectively review your medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and build a stronger case by understanding both the legal and medical aspects of your claim.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and their families, this can include specialized medical equipment, ongoing care needs, and rehabilitation services. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims don't allow for punitive damages, but they do provide important compensation for actual losses and damages.

If you or a family member received substandard care at the Bath VA Medical Center, you should consider having your case evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney. Many law firms that specialize in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your case and explain your legal options. Time is critical in these cases, so it's important to seek legal guidance as soon as you suspect medical negligence. A qualified attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the complex FTCA claims process while you focus on your recovery.

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

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