The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York serves as a critical healthcare provider for approximately 50,000 veterans annually across eastern and upstate New York. As a Joint Commission-accredited facility with 117 hospital beds, it offers comprehensive medical services including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and specialized surgical procedures.
Medical errors and negligence can occur despite the facility's commitment to high-quality care. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at this facility, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a claim against a VA hospital requires specialized knowledge of both federal regulations and medical standards of care.
Our firm effectively evaluates and pursues VA medical malpractice claims because we have legal and medical expertise, including a founder with both MD and JD degrees. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities, including the Stratton VA Medical Center.
About Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center
Established in 1951 and renamed in 1990 to honor Congressman Samuel S. Stratton, this VA Medical Center operates as a complexity level 1c facility within Veterans Integrated Service Network 2 (VISN 2). This medical center provides primary and specialized medical services to veterans within a 100-mile radius.
The facility offers comprehensive surgical capabilities including cardiac procedures, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmological interventions. The center uses advanced technologies like da Vinci Robotic Surgery and TomoTherapy systems for treatments. The center maintains designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons, offering full-spectrum oncology services.
Key specialty programs include traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, comprehensive cardiac care, mental health services, and specialized women's health services. The facility is a leading healthcare provider in the VA network because it conducts important medical research in areas including cancer, pneumonia, tinnitus, and PTSD.
Common Types of Malpractice at Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: Because the facility has extensive surgical programs, including cardiac procedures and robotic surgery, errors can occur during pre-operative planning, surgery, or post-operative care. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, and post-surgical infections. birth injury claims → Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Diagnostic Failures: With the center's broad range of specialties, delayed or missed diagnoses can have severe consequences, particularly in cancer cases, cardiac conditions, and neurological disorders. Veterans may experience worsening conditions due to diagnostic errors. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: Complex medication regimens, particularly in areas like oncology and cardiac care, can lead to dangerous medication errors. These may include incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors. Learn more about medication error claims →
Rehabilitation Care Negligence: The facility's polytrauma and traumatic brain injury programs require precise care protocols. Negligence in rehabilitation can lead to compromised recovery or additional injuries. Learn more about rehabilitation negligence →
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Samuel S. Stratton 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 litigation. This claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Counsel office that oversees the Stratton VA Medical Center.
The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. The VA then has six months to review and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the review period expires, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Critical documentation for an FTCA claim includes:
- Medical records from the Stratton VA Medical Center
- Evidence of the standard of care violation
- Documentation of resulting injuries and damages
- Expert medical opinions supporting the claim
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 Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center Claims
New York's standard medical malpractice statute of limitations (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a) differs from the FTCA requirements. While state law generally allows 2.5 years to file a claim, FTCA claims must follow federal deadlines. Additionally, New York does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, but FTCA claims may be subject to federal limitations.
For detailed information about state-specific legal requirements and how they interact with federal law, visit our New York Military & VA Medical Malpractice Guide →
How do I file a malpractice claim against Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury. Supporting documentation, including medical records and expert opinions, should accompany your claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center?
The FTCA requires filing an administrative claim within two years of discovering your injury. After receiving a denial or waiting six months without response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Can I sue Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA. Individual VA employees cannot be sued personally for care provided within their employment scope.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center?
Under the FTCA, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. However, punitive damages cannot be awarded in FTCA claims.
Do I need a New York attorney for my Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medical malpractice and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's doctor-attorney can evaluate your case from both medical and legal perspectives.
What types of malpractice cases are most common at Stratton VA Medical Center?
Based on the facility's services, common malpractice claims involve surgical errors, cancer treatment delays, cardiac care complications, and rehabilitation negligence. Each type of case requires specific medical expertise to prove negligence occurred.
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 malpractice at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, you have specific legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and requirements that you must follow to protect your rights to compensation.
You have two years from the date of the incident (or from when you reasonably should have discovered the injury) to begin the FTCA claims process. The first step is filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once you file this claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if necessary.
For VA medical malpractice cases specifically involving the Stratton VA Medical Center, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. These specialized professionals can better understand complex medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. They can also help establish the connection between the medical negligence and your injuries, which is essential for FTCA claims.
Under the FTCA, you may be entitled 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 who have been disabled due to medical negligence, damages may also include long-term care costs and modifications needed for your home or vehicle.
Given the complexity of FTCA claims against the Stratton VA Medical Center and the strict deadlines involved, it's important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your options. During this evaluation, they can help determine if you have a valid claim and explain the specific steps needed to protect your rights.
Don't wait to seek legal guidance if you believe you've been harmed by medical negligence at the Stratton VA Medical Center. Contact a qualified attorney who handles FTCA claims to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation.
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 Samuel S. Stratton 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 Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Samuel S. Stratton 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
Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, 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 Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Samuel S. Stratton 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 Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center.