Medical Malpractice at
Keller Army Community Hospital

Keller Army Community Hospital is the main military medical facility at West Point, offering complete healthcare to active duty service members, their families, and other eligible beneficiaries. As a 28-bed military treatment facility, it offers everything from emergency care and surgical services to obstetrics and behavioral health.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at military facilities, despite Keller Army Community Hospital staff striving to provide quality care. When preventable medical mistakes cause harm to service members or their families, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a legal pathway to seek compensation.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our doctor-attorney and nurse provide a unique combination of medical and legal expertise, allowing us to thoroughly evaluate potential malpractice claims against Keller Army Community Hospital. With over 25 years of experience handling military medical malpractice cases and more than $145 million recovered for our clients, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against Army medical facilities.

Named after Col. William Lordan Keller, known as "The Grand Old Man of Army Medicine," Keller Army Community Hospital operates as an Army medical treatment facility providing primary and specialty care services to the West Point community. The hospital maintains crucial departments including an emergency room, surgical facilities, an obstetrical unit, and various specialty clinics.

As a teaching hospital, Keller offers nationally accredited military medical residency and fellowship programs. This academic connection helps maintain high standards of care while training the next generation of military healthcare providers. Key specialty services include family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, orthopedics, and women's health.

Keller Army Community Hospital maintains cadet health at West Point while serving active duty personnel, retirees, and families throughout the service area.

• Birth Injuries: With an active obstetrical unit serving military families, birth-related medical negligence can occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Common issues include delayed C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, and improper use of delivery tools. Learn more about military birth injuries →

• Surgical Errors: The hospital's surgical department handles various procedures where mistakes can lead to serious complications. Staff rotation and deployment schedules may increase risks at military hospitals. Learn more about surgical malpractice →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: Keller's ER treats urgent conditions where delayed or incorrect diagnosis can be catastrophic. Staff turnover and limited resources can challenge military emergency departments. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Medication Errors: These can occur in any department but are particularly concerning in military facilities where multiple healthcare systems and pharmacies may be involved in patient care. Common errors include incorrect dosing, wrong medications, or dangerous drug interactions.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients who have experienced medical malpractice at Keller Army Community Hospital must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate military claims office.

The FTCA has strict deadlines that must be followed. You have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. After filing, the government has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Filing military medical malpractice claims is complex due to jurisdictional and procedural requirements. Unlike civilian cases, you cannot sue individual healthcare providers directly – the claim must be brought against the United States government through the FTCA process.

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

While Keller Army Community Hospital is located in New York, FTCA claims follow federal law rather than state medical malpractice statutes. However, New York state law (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a) may influence certain aspects of the case, such as the standard of care and calculation of damages. New York does not impose damage caps in medical malpractice cases, which can affect the compensation available in FTCA claims.

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 at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, New York, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation for medical negligence, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific procedures.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of the Army. Once filed, the agency has six months to 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.

Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable for cases involving Keller Army Community Hospital. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with military healthcare providers. They're also familiar with the unique aspects of military medical facilities and can navigate both the legal and medical complexities of your case.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For military families, this might also include the cost of traveling to receive corrective medical care at civilian facilities or specialized military treatment centers.

If you believe you or a family member received substandard care at Keller Army Community Hospital, it's important to have your case evaluated promptly. Many experienced medical malpractice attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to review your medical records and determine if you have a viable claim. During this evaluation, they can explain your legal options, assess potential damages, and help you understand the strength of your case. Remember, waiting too long to seek legal advice could jeopardize your right to compensation under the FTCA's strict deadlines.

The sooner you reach out for a professional evaluation, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Most reputable firms handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.

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 →