The Brooklyn VA Medical Center, at 800 Poly Place in Brooklyn, is a key healthcare facility for veterans in New York City's five boroughs. This medical center, part of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, offers vital services like emergency care, cardiology, cancer treatment, orthopedics, and mental health services to over 300,000 veterans each year.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at Brooklyn VA Medical Center despite dedicated healthcare professionals striving for quality care. Veterans harmed by poor medical care can seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a claim against a VA facility requires extensive knowledge of both medicine and federal law.
Archuleta Law Firm stands out with our blend of medical and legal expertise. Our founder, a licensed attorney and doctor, can expertly assess the medical side of VA malpractice cases while handling the complex FTCA claims process. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand what it takes to hold VA facilities accountable.
About the Brooklyn VA Medical Center Facility
The Brooklyn VA Medical Center is a federal healthcare facility operating 51 inpatient beds and serving hundreds of thousands of veterans each year. The medical center building was dedicated in 1950 and has evolved to become an integral part of veteran healthcare in New York City. The facility operates 24/7 and maintains comprehensive medical services across multiple specialties.
Key departments include emergency care, cardiology, cancer treatment, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and mental health services. The facility serves as the radiation oncology center for the entire VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. Additionally, Brooklyn VA Medical Center participates in graduate medical education, hosting over 100 resident and fellow trainees across various clinical programs.
The medical center collaborates with Manhattan and St. Albans campuses within the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System to serve veterans. The facility's participation in the VA's quality and safety chief resident program demonstrates its commitment to improving veteran care, though medical errors can still occur.
Common Types of Malpractice at Brooklyn VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: With the facility performing orthopedic and general surgeries, errors can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or surgical items left inside patients. VA hospitals face unique challenges with surgical scheduling and staffing that can increase error risks. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. VA emergency rooms often face staffing challenges and high patient volumes that can lead to errors. Learn more about emergency room malpractice →
Cardiology Errors: Given the facility's focus on cardiac care, errors in procedures like cardiac catheterization, stent placement, or pacemaker implantation can occur. Mistakes in interpreting cardiac symptoms or delayed treatment of heart conditions can be fatal.
Cancer Treatment Errors: As the radiation oncology center for the VA system, errors in radiation therapy, chemotherapy dosing, or cancer diagnosis can have severe consequences birth injury claims →. Treatment delays and mismanagement of cancer care are particularly concerning.
Mental Health Treatment Errors: With the facility's psychiatric services, errors can include improper medication management, failure to prevent self-harm, or inadequate suicide risk assessment. VA mental health providers face unique challenges in treating veterans with combat-related trauma.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn VA Medical Center. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA office, detailing the alleged malpractice and damages sought.
File your administrative claim for Brooklyn VA Medical Center cases at:
Brooklyn VA Medical Center Business Office - Release of Information 800 Poly Place Brooklyn, NY 11209
Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. The VA then has six months to review the claim. If the claim is denied or no response is received after six months, 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 New York →
New York Legal Considerations for Brooklyn VA Medical Center Claims
New York's medical malpractice statute of limitations (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a) typically allows 2.5 years to file a claim. However, FTCA claims against Brooklyn VA Medical Center must follow the federal two-year deadline, which preempts state law. While New York does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, FTCA claims are subject to federal limitations on certain types of damages.
For detailed information about New York-specific medical malpractice laws and how they interact with FTCA claims, visit our New York Military & VA Medical Malpractice Guide →
How to File a Malpractice Claim
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA within two years of discovering the malpractice. This form should be submitted to the Brooklyn VA Medical Center's Business Office along with supporting documentation of your injury and damages.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Brooklyn VA Medical Center?
Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Can I sue Brooklyn VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. The FTCA requires you to first file an administrative claim with the VA. Only after the claim is denied or six months pass without a decision can you file a federal lawsuit.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Brooklyn VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. However, FTCA claims have certain limitations on damages, and punitive damages cannot be recovered under federal law.
Do I need a New York attorney for my Brooklyn VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and VA medical malpractice is highly recommended. The claims process is complex, and having legal representation can significantly impact your chances of success.
What types of medical errors are most common at Brooklyn VA Medical Center?
Based on the facility's services, common errors can occur in emergency care, surgical procedures, cardiac treatment, cancer care, and mental health services. However, any type of medical negligence that causes harm may be grounds for a claim.
Other VA & Military Facilities in New York
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these New York facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center, you have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, understanding the specific FTCA process is crucial for protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The FTCA has strict deadlines you must follow. You have two years from the date of the negligent medical care to file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This initial filing must be made with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any lawsuit can begin. Once your claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the VA denies your claim or fails to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. A doctor-attorney understands both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims against the Brooklyn VA Medical Center. They can accurately identify deviations from the standard of care, effectively communicate with medical experts, and properly value your damages.
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. If you're a veteran who has been disabled due to medical negligence, you may also recover damages for long-term care needs and loss of quality of life. Family members may be eligible to recover damages in cases involving wrongful death.
Don't let confusion about the FTCA process prevent you from seeking justice. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the strength of your case, and outline the next steps in the claims process. Remember, there are no upfront costs, as attorneys handling FTCA claims typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
The sooner you reach out for a free case evaluation, the better positioned you'll be to meet FTCA deadlines and build a strong case against the Brooklyn VA Medical Center.
Related Case Types in New York
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in New York:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Brooklyn 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
Brooklyn VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Brooklyn VA Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, 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 Brooklyn VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn VA Medical Center.