Medical Malpractice at
Castle Point VA Medical Center

The Castle Point VA Medical Center in Wappingers Falls, New York, provides essential healthcare to veterans in the Hudson Valley. Castle Point VA Medical Center offers comprehensive services, including cardiology, orthopedics, mental health care, and specialized surgical procedures, playing a vital role in providing healthcare to veterans.

While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can still occur. Veterans harmed by poor care at Castle Point VA Medical Center have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing these claims requires specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – including our founder who holds both MD and JD degrees – allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential malpractice cases against Castle Point VA Medical Center. With over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide and recovering over $145 million for our clients, we understand the complexities of getting justice for veterans harmed by VA medical negligence.

Castle Point VA Medical Center operates as a 3-Low Complexity facility within the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System. The medical center offers comprehensive medical treatment through various departments and specialty clinics, providing both primary and specialty care to veterans throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley region.

The facility maintains several key specialty programs, including an accredited Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program. Core medical services include cardiology with interventional procedures, orthopedic surgery, mental health services, women's health care, and rehabilitation services. The center also provides specialized care in areas such as audiology, podiatry, urology, and gastroenterology.

Castle Point VA Medical Center works with other VA facilities across New York to provide veterans comprehensive medical services. The VA Hudson Valley Health Care System enables smooth referrals and coordinated care for veterans needing specialized treatments.

• Surgical Errors: Given Castle Point's surgical services in orthopedics, cardiology, and urology, surgical mistakes can occur during procedures such as joint replacements, cardiac interventions, or urological operations. These errors may result from inadequate pre-operative planning, poor communication, or surgical technique issues. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can happen in any department, but are particularly concerning in cardiology and cancer screening. Veterans may experience worsened conditions when serious medical issues are overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed. Learn more about diagnostic error claims →

• Medication Errors: These can occur during both inpatient and outpatient care, involving incorrect dosing, wrong medications, or harmful drug interactions. VA pharmacy systems and multiple providers can increase the risk of medication mistakes. birth injury claims →

• Treatment Delays: Veterans may experience harmful delays in receiving necessary care, particularly for specialized services or surgical procedures. These delays can lead to worsened conditions or complications. Learn more about delayed treatment claims →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice at Castle Point VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting damages.

The claim should be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office responsible for Castle Point VA Medical Center. All supporting medical documentation, including records from both VA and non-VA providers, should be included with the claim to substantiate the allegations of negligence and resulting harm.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of when they knew or should have known about the malpractice. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or six months pass without a response, 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 →

While Castle Point VA Medical Center claims fall under federal law, New York state laws can impact certain aspects of these cases. New York's medical malpractice statute of limitations (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a) generally allows 2.5 years to file claims, but the FTCA's two-year deadline takes precedence for VA cases.

Unlike some states, New York does not impose caps on medical malpractice damages. However, FTCA claims are still subject to federal regulations regarding compensation, including restrictions on punitive damages. Learn more about New York VA malpractice law →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must detail the negligent care received and include supporting medical documentation. The claim must be filed within two years of discovering the malpractice.

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

Can I sue Castle Point VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the medical center directly. The FTCA requires you to file an administrative claim first and then, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the United States government, not individual providers or facilities.

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

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.

Do I need a New York attorney for my Castle Point VA Medical Center claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both medical malpractice and FTCA claims is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal procedures and medical issues that require specialized knowledge.

How long will my Castle Point VA Medical Center claim take?

The process typically takes at least 6-8 months for the administrative phase alone. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the entire process can take 1-2 years or longer, depending on the complexity of your case and the government's response.

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

• Batavia VA Medical Center (Batavia) →
• Bath VA Medical Center (Bath) →
• Brooklyn VA Medical Center (Brooklyn) →
• Buffalo VA Medical Center (Buffalo) →
• Canandaigua VA Medical Center (Canandaigua) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice or negligent care at Castle Point VA Medical Center in Wappingers Falls, New York, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing an FTCA claim against the VA requires careful attention to strict deadlines and procedures.

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. Only after this administrative process can you file a lawsuit in federal court if your claim is denied or inadequately resolved.

For veterans treated at Castle Point VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims against the VA. They can accurately evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate how the negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able 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 with service-connected disabilities who experienced additional harm due to VA negligence, an FTCA claim can provide compensation beyond existing VA disability benefits.

Given the complexity of these cases and the VA's resources to defend against claims, it's essential to have experienced legal representation. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to evaluate your claim. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your legal options, and help determine if you have a viable case against Castle Point VA Medical Center.

Don't wait to explore your legal options, as the two-year statute of limitations can pass quickly. Contact a qualified attorney-physician for a free case evaluation to understand your rights and ensure your claim is properly handled within all required deadlines.

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 →