Medical Malpractice at
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune serves as a cornerstone of military healthcare in North Carolina, providing comprehensive medical services to active duty service members, their families, and military retirees. The medical center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provides comprehensive care ranging from routine visits to complex surgeries and emergency services.

Despite its vital role in military healthcare, medical errors and negligence can occur even at prestigious military facilities like Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. When preventable medical mistakes happen, patients have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.

Our firm brings unique expertise to military medical malpractice cases, with both a licensed physician and attorney leading our legal team. This doctor-lawyer perspective allows us to thoroughly evaluate the medical evidence and build stronger cases for our clients. With over $145 million recovered and 25+ years handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand the complexities of pursuing claims against military treatment facilities.

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune has evolved significantly since Camp Lejeune's establishment in 1941. In 2017, the facility was upgraded from a naval hospital to a medical center status, reflecting its expanded capabilities and services. Today, it stands as one of the Marine Corps' premier healthcare facilities, serving the large military community in and around Camp Lejeune.

The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services including:

• Emergency Medicine: 24/7 emergency and trauma care
• Primary Care: Family medicine, pediatrics, and preventive health
• Specialty Services: Orthopedics, cardiology, and other specialized care
• Surgical Services: Both routine and complex surgical procedures
• Mental Health: Comprehensive behavioral health programs

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune is a teaching hospital that maintains Graduate Medical Education programs and trains Navy Medicine professionals. Its combined treatment and training capabilities establish Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune as a crucial military healthcare hub in North Carolina.

• Surgical Errors: Military hospitals face unique challenges with surgical scheduling and staffing that can lead to preventable mistakes. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The high-volume emergency department serves both routine and trauma cases. Errors often occur during patient triage, diagnosis delays, or failure to properly monitor patients. Learn about ER malpractice claims →

• Birth Injuries: Labor and delivery complications can result in serious injuries when proper protocols aren't followed. Military hospitals must meet the same standard of care as civilian facilities. Learn about birth injury claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, and medication interactions can cause serious harm. Military pharmacies handle large volumes of prescriptions, increasing error risks.

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses can occur when providers fail to order appropriate tests or properly evaluate symptoms. This is particularly critical in military settings where provider turnover may be high.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate military department.

For Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune claims, the SF-95 should be filed with the Department of the Navy's Office of the Judge Advocate General. Your claim must include complete medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of the alleged malpractice.

Critical deadlines apply to FTCA claims:

• The administrative claim must be filed within 2 years of when the malpractice was discovered
• The military has 6 months to investigate and respond to the claim
• If denied, you have 6 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 North Carolina →

North Carolina's medical malpractice laws influence FTCA claims, though federal law ultimately governs. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-15(c), the state's statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally three years, but the FTCA's two-year deadline takes precedence for military claims.

North Carolina caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at $500,000 (adjusted for inflation). While this cap may influence FTCA settlements, federal law determines final damage calculations. Learn more about North Carolina military medical malpractice law →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these North Carolina facilities:

• Charles George VA Medical Center (Asheville) →
• Cumberland County VA Clinic (Fayetteville) →
• Durham VA Medical Center (Durham) →
• Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Fayetteville) →
• Garner VA Clinic (Garner) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial for protecting your interests and obtaining compensation. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to pursue a claim against the federal government for negligent medical care, but strict deadlines apply.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. Before filing a lawsuit, you must first present your claim to the Department of the Navy using Standard Form 95. The Navy then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you proceed with a lawsuit if your claim is denied or inadequately settled.

For Camp Lejeune medical malpractice cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with treating physicians. Their dual expertise helps build a stronger case by precisely determining how the negligent care affected your health outcome.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For military families, this can include long-term care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and compensation for permanent disabilities resulting from the negligent care. Unlike active duty servicemembers, military dependents and veterans can claim non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Many law firms specializing in military medical malpractice offer free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and the strength of your potential claim. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process in detail, and help determine if you have a viable case against Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. Remember, the sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in North Carolina:

• North Carolina Surgical Errors Cases →
• North Carolina Emergency Room Errors Cases →
• North Carolina Brain Injury Cases →
• North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Cases →
• North Carolina Misdiagnosis Cases →
• North Carolina Medication Errors Cases →