Medical Malpractice at
Syracuse VA Medical Center

The Syracuse VA Medical Center is a key healthcare facility for veterans in central New York, offering specialized medical services like neurosurgery, polytrauma care, and spinal cord injury treatment. As a 106-bed medical center with multiple specialty programs, this facility handles complex medical cases for veterans throughout a 13-county service area.

Medical errors and negligence at Syracuse VA Medical Center can cause serious harm to veterans depending on these services. When medical malpractice happens at this facility, veterans have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries.

Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases, with both a licensed attorney and medical doctor reviewing each case. This doctor-attorney insight allows us to thoroughly evaluate the medical evidence and build stronger claims for veterans harmed at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Having recovered over $145 million for clients and with 25+ years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand the complexities of federal medical malpractice litigation.

The Syracuse VA Medical Center, established in 1953, operates as a comprehensive medical and surgical facility serving veterans across central New York. The facility features 106 acute care beds, a 48-bed community care center, and multiple specialty treatment programs. In 2013, the center opened a state-of-the-art $90 million Spinal Cord Disorder Center, significantly expanding its capabilities.

This facility is a major referral center for veterans needing neurosurgery and kidney stone treatment throughout upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania. It has earned designation as a Center of Excellence for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom care and operates as a Level II polytrauma center. The medical center also provides comprehensive behavioral health services, cardiology care, and specialized rehabilitation programs.

This facility works with VA centers and clinics in Auburn, Oswego, Binghamton, and Rome to serve veterans across New York. This network ensures veterans have access to both primary care and specialized medical services throughout central New York.

• Surgical Errors: Because the facility is a neurosurgical referral center with seven operating rooms in the SCI/D Center, surgical mistakes can be devastating. Common errors include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, and anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The Syracuse VA's emergency department handles complex trauma cases as a Level II polytrauma center. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of cardiac events, and failure to properly triage can lead to serious harm. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Spinal Cord Treatment Errors: As a Regional Spinal Cord Disorder Center, mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of spinal injuries can have life-altering impacts. These cases often involve delayed diagnosis or improper post-surgical care.

• Psychiatric Care Failures: With extensive mental health services, failures in suicide prevention, medication management, or proper monitoring can result in preventable tragedies. birth injury claims → Veterans with PTSD and other combat-related conditions require specialized attention.

• Medication Errors: The facility's multiple specialty programs increase the risk of medication mistakes. Errors in dosing, drug interactions, or failure to account for a patient's medical history can cause serious harm.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation against the Syracuse VA Medical Center. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA office, detailing the nature of the medical negligence and resulting damages.

The claim must be filed with specifics about when and how the malpractice occurred at the Syracuse facility. While the local Release of Information office can provide medical records, the administrative claim itself should be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office serving New York.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans have two years from the date they discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file their administrative claim. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. 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 →

New York's medical malpractice statute of limitations (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a) typically allows 2.5 years to file claims, but FTCA claims against the Syracuse VA Medical Center must follow the stricter federal two-year deadline. Unlike some states, New York does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, which can affect the compensation available in FTCA claims.

For detailed information about how New York state law interacts with federal regulations in VA medical malpractice cases, visit our main page: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in New York →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must detail the medical negligence that occurred and include supporting documentation. Our firm can help gather medical records and file this crucial initial paperwork.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Syracuse VA Medical Center?

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

Can I sue Syracuse VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must first go through the FTCA administrative process, and lawsuits are ultimately filed against the United States government, not individual VA facilities or employees.

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

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. Unlike some states, New York has no damage caps that limit compensation in FTCA claims.

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

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both federal and New York medical malpractice law is highly recommended. FTCA claims involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that differ from standard state malpractice cases.

What if my injury occurred at one of Syracuse VA's outpatient clinics?

Claims involving care at Syracuse VA's community-based outpatient clinics follow the same FTCA process as those at the main medical center. These claims must still be filed within two years and go through the administrative process before any lawsuit.

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 been harmed by negligent medical care at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This important law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when VA healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care. However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice and resulting injury.

The FTCA process begins with filing Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once submitted, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. During this time, having an attorney who is also a licensed medical doctor can be invaluable. They can review your medical records with the expertise needed to identify deviations from the standard of care and clearly demonstrate how the VA's negligence caused your injuries. This medical-legal perspective is crucial because VA malpractice cases often involve complex medical issues that require both clinical knowledge and legal expertise to properly evaluate and present.

Through an FTCA claim against the Syracuse VA Medical Center, 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 physical pain and emotional suffering. For families who have lost a loved one due to VA negligence, wrongful death damages may also be available.

Given the complexity of these cases and the strict deadlines involved, it's important to have your potential claim evaluated as soon as possible. Many attorneys who handle VA malpractice cases offer free consultations to review your medical records and determine if you have a viable case. During this evaluation, they can explain your legal options and help you understand what to expect from the FTCA process. Don't wait to seek help - the sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Remember, the VA's mission is to serve veterans, and when they fail to provide appropriate care, the FTCA provides a way to hold them accountable while securing the resources you need for recovery.

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 →