Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) serves as the primary military treatment facility at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, providing comprehensive healthcare services to active duty service members, their families, and military retirees. As a Level II Trauma Center with 138 beds, Womack offers everything from routine primary care to complex surgical procedures and specialized treatments.
Though Womack Army Medical Center typically provides excellent care, medical errors and negligence still occur. When preventable mistakes lead to serious injury or death, patients and their families have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, military medical malpractice claims require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.
The Archuleta Law Firm's physician-attorney leadership brings unique medical and legal expertise to military malpractice cases. Our deep understanding of military healthcare systems, combined with over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, allows us to effectively advocate for patients harmed at facilities like Womack Army Medical Center.
About Womack Army Medical Center
Established in 1958 and named after Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Bryant H. Womack, this military treatment facility underwent a significant $400 million expansion in 2011. The medical center serves the Fort Bragg community, one of the largest military installations in the world, providing comprehensive healthcare services to thousands of active duty personnel, their dependents, and military retirees.
This Level II Trauma Center features emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and various medical specialties. Womack's surgical services encompass general surgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic procedures, and neurosurgery. The center also maintains a robust women's health program with full-service labor and delivery capabilities and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
Womack Army Medical Center is a teaching hospital that runs graduate medical education programs, training future military healthcare providers. Under the leadership of Colonel David R. Zinnante, the facility plays a crucial role in North Carolina's military healthcare network, serving as a primary referral center for other military clinics in the region.
Common Types of Malpractice at Womack Army Medical Center
Birth Injuries: With a busy labor and delivery department, preventable birth injuries can occur due to delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to monitor fetal distress. Military hospitals often face staffing challenges that can impact obstetric care. Learn more about birth injury claims β
Surgical Errors: Surgical mistakes at Womack may include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. The military healthcare system's rotation of surgical staff can contribute to communication breakdowns. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims β
Emergency Room Mistakes: As a Level II Trauma Center, Womack's ER handles critical cases where delayed diagnosis or treatment can have devastating consequences. Military ER staffing patterns and high patient volumes can increase error risks. Learn more about emergency room error claims β
Medication Errors: Incorrect medication dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors can occur in any department. Military electronic health records systems and frequent staff rotations may increase these risks.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Womack Army Medical Center
The Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. Β§ 2671-2680) governs medical malpractice claims against Womack Army Medical Center. Before filing a lawsuit, patients must first submit an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95). This claim must detail the specific allegations of negligence and requested damages.
For Womack Army Medical Center claims, the administrative claim should be filed with:
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate ATTN: Claims Division Fort Bragg, NC 28310
Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Patients have two years from the date they discovered (or should have discovered) their injury to file the administrative claim. The military then has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six months pass without a response, patients 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 North Carolina β
North Carolina Legal Considerations for Womack Army Medical Center Claims
Although Womack Army Medical Center claims fall under federal law, North Carolina medical malpractice laws (N.C. Gen. Stat. Β§ 90-21.11) could affect how courts assess the standard of care. North Carolina's damage caps do not apply to FTCA claims, as federal law governs compensation limits.
For detailed information about state-specific considerations and how they interact with federal laws in military medical malpractice cases, visit our North Carolina Military Medical Malpractice Guide β
Other VA & Military Facilities in North Carolina
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these North Carolina facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, understanding the FTCA process is crucial for protecting your legal rights and obtaining compensation for medical malpractice injuries.
The FTCA has strict deadlines you must follow. You have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. After filing, Womack and the Department of Defense have six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if your claim is denied or inadequately resolved.
For military medical malpractice cases, having an attorney who is also a licensed medical doctor provides a significant advantage. These doctor-attorneys understand both the complex medical issues at Womack Army Medical Center and the unique legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, properly value your damages, and effectively communicate with military medical experts.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For military families, this can include long-term care costs, medical equipment, rehabilitation services, and other expenses related to treating injuries caused by medical negligence.
Don't wait to explore your legal options. Our team of doctor-attorneys offers free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and military families affected by medical malpractice at Womack Army Medical Center. We'll review your medical records, explain your rights under the FTCA, and help determine if you have a viable claim - all at no cost to you. Remember, missing the FTCA deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, so it's important to seek legal guidance as soon as you suspect medical negligence.
By consulting with attorneys who understand both military medicine and FTCA requirements, you'll be better positioned to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for medical injuries sustained at Womack Army Medical Center.
Related Case Types in North Carolina
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in North Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions
Womack Army Medical Center Malpractice Claims
01How do I file a malpractice claim against Womack Army Medical Center?
How do I file a malpractice claim against Womack Army Medical Center?
Claims must first be filed administratively using Standard Form 95 with the Fort Bragg Staff Judge Advocate office. An experienced military medical malpractice attorney can help properly document your claim and calculate appropriate damages.
02What is the deadline for filing a claim against Womack Army Medical Center?
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Womack Army Medical Center?
You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim under the FTCA. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
03Can I sue Womack Army Medical Center directly?
Can I sue Womack Army Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the medical center directly. Claims must be filed against the United States government under the FTCA, following specific administrative procedures before any lawsuit can be filed.
04What damages can I recover for malpractice at Womack Army Medical Center?
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Womack Army Medical Center?
FTCA claims can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related damages. Unlike state claims, federal law does not impose damage caps on FTCA cases.
05Do I need a North Carolina attorney for my Womack Army Medical Center claim?
Do I need a North Carolina attorney for my Womack Army Medical Center claim?
While not required, you should work with an attorney experienced in both military medicine and FTCA claims. Our firm handles cases nationwide and brings unique medical-legal expertise with our physician-attorney leadership.
06What if I received care at both Womack and civilian facilities?
What if I received care at both Womack and civilian facilities?
If your claim involves both military and civilian care, it requires careful analysis to determine the correct defendants and jurisdictions. Our experienced team can help navigate these complex scenarios and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Have more questions? Contact us or call 1-800-798-9529
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Womack Army Medical Center claim
- π©ΊDoctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Womack Army Medical Center.
- βοΈExclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Womack Army Medical Center across all 50 states.
- π°Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- π25+ 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.
- π€No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basisβyou pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Womack Army Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 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 Womack Army Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Womack Army 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 Womack Army Medical Center.