The Canandaigua VA Medical Center is a crucial healthcare facility for veterans in New York's Finger Lakes region. It provides essential medical services in cardiology, neurology, mental health, and rehabilitation care. Located on a historic 150-acre campus, this facility serves approximately 65,000 veterans through both inpatient and outpatient services.
Even with dedicated healthcare professionals striving to provide quality care, medical errors and negligence can occur at Canandaigua VA Medical Center. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and procedures that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice cases.
As both a licensed physician and attorney, our firm's founder brings unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. This distinctive combination allows us to thoroughly evaluate the clinical aspects of your care while navigating the intricate FTCA claims process. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for veterans, we understand what it takes to hold VA facilities accountable.
About Canandaigua VA Medical Center
Established in 1933, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center operates as a full-service VA medical facility providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans throughout upstate New York. The campus features 14 patient care buildings and is currently undergoing significant modernization, including a new 44,000-square-foot Outpatient Care Clinic that consolidates primary care, physical therapy, dentistry, audiology, and radiology services.
The facility offers an extensive range of specialty services including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, mental health care, and polytrauma rehabilitation. Their state-of-the-art programs include specialized treatment for traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, substance abuse rehabilitation, and comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation services. The medical center also maintains a community living center providing skilled nursing care.
As part of the VA Finger Lakes Health Care system, Canandaigua VA Medical Center plays a vital role in ensuring veterans have access to quality healthcare services. Recent modernization efforts show commitment to better care, but these changes may affect operations and patient care coordination.
Common Types of Malpractice at Canandaigua VA Medical Center birth injury claims →
Surgical Errors: Given the facility's active orthopedic and ophthalmology surgical programs, errors can occur during joint replacements, cataract procedures, or other operations. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, post-operative infections, and anesthesia complications. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses can occur with multiple specialty departments handling complex conditions, particularly in cardiology and neurology cases. VA staffing challenges can contribute to rushed evaluations and overlooked symptoms. Learn more about diagnosis errors →
Medication Errors: The complex medication regimens prescribed to veterans, combined with potential staffing shortages, can lead to dangerous medication errors. These may include incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration mistakes. Learn more about medication errors →
Rehabilitation Negligence: In the facility's polytrauma and traumatic brain injury programs, poor outcomes or additional injuries can arise from inadequate rehabilitation protocols or improper progression of therapy. Learn more about rehabilitation negligence →
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Canandaigua VA Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at Canandaigua VA Medical Center. This claim must detail the specific instances of negligence and resulting damages.
The administrative claim must be filed within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Filing an FTCA claim requires strict adherence to federal procedures and deadlines. Crucial evidence must be gathered, including medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of damages. Missing any procedural requirements can result in your claim being dismissed.
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 Canandaigua VA Medical Center Claims
New York's standard medical malpractice statute of limitations (CPLR § 214-a) allows 2.5 years to file a claim, but FTCA claims against VA facilities must follow the stricter federal two-year deadline. While New York does not impose caps on medical malpractice damages, federal law may limit certain types of recovery in FTCA cases.
You must understand how state and federal laws work together to maximize your compensation. For detailed information about New York-specific legal requirements, visit our guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in New York →
How do I file a malpractice claim against Canandaigua VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This claim must be filed within two years of discovering the malpractice and include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting damages.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Canandaigua VA Medical Center?
The deadline is two years from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice. Missing this deadline will likely bar your claim permanently, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I sue Canandaigua VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. The Federal Tort Claims Act requires you to file an administrative claim first and then, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the United States government, not the individual facility.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Canandaigua VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. However, FTCA claims have specific limitations on certain types of damages, which an experienced attorney can explain.
Do I need a New York attorney for my Canandaigua VA Medical Center claim?
While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice is highly recommended. Our firm's unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows us to handle cases nationwide, regardless of where the malpractice occurred.
How long does a Canandaigua VA Medical Center malpractice claim take?
The process typically takes at least 8-12 months, starting with the mandatory 6-month VA review period. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the timeline can extend to several years depending on case complexity and court schedules.
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 Canandaigua VA Medical Center, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical malpractice, but strict deadlines and procedures must be followed.
You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the negligent care at Canandaigua VA Medical Center. 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 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, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor provides a significant advantage. These doctor-attorneys can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their dual expertise is particularly valuable when building strong cases involving specialized treatment areas at Canandaigua VA Medical Center.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses related to the negligent care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. In cases involving permanent disability or ongoing medical needs, the settlement should account for lifetime care costs. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
If you believe you or a family member received negligent care at Canandaigua VA Medical Center, don't wait to seek legal guidance. Many medical malpractice attorneys offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to your situation, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, waiting too long to act could prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve under federal law.
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 Canandaigua 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 Canandaigua VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Canandaigua 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
Canandaigua VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Canandaigua VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, 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 Canandaigua VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Canandaigua 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 Canandaigua VA Medical Center.