Medical Malpractice at
Fargo VA Medical Center

The Fargo VA Medical Center serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans across North Dakota, northwest Minnesota, and northeast South Dakota. Located at 2101 Elm Street North in Fargo, this 40-bed medical center provides comprehensive medical services including surgery, emergency care, cardiology, oncology, and mental health treatment to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at the Fargo VA Medical Center, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard medical care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.

As a law firm led by both a licensed physician and attorney, we bring unique medical and legal expertise to VA medical malpractice cases. Our deep understanding of both clinical medicine and federal tort law allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims against the Fargo VA Medical Center and advocate effectively for veterans who have been harmed.

Established in 1929, the Fargo VA Medical Center is the primary VA healthcare facility serving veterans in a tri-state region. This medical center maintains 40 inpatient beds and offers a comprehensive range of medical services through its affiliation with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.

The facility provides crucial specialty services, including general surgery, orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, and mental health care. Their 24/7 emergency department ensures veterans have continuous access to urgent medical care. The medical center also offers specialized programs in audiology, dental care, and rehabilitation services.

Director Brent Armitage leads the Fargo VA Medical Center, which serves as a cornerstone of North Dakota's veterans' healthcare system. The facility has earned a 4-out-of-5 star quality rating from the VA's internal metrics system, though this does not preclude the occurrence of medical errors or negligent care.

• Surgical Errors: Because the facility has active surgical departments, errors can occur during general surgery, orthopedic procedures, or urological operations. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or mismanagement can have severe consequences. Veterans may experience delayed treatment, improper triage, or failure to recognize time-sensitive conditions. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Failures: Across specialties like cardiology and oncology, missed or delayed diagnoses can lead to devastating outcomes. This includes failing to order appropriate tests, misinterpreting results, or not following up on concerning symptoms. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Medication mistakes, whether in outpatient clinics or during hospital stays, can cause serious harm. These errors may involve incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration of contraindicated medications.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at the Fargo VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).

Veterans must file administrative claims for Fargo VA Medical Center cases with the North Dakota VA Regional Counsel office. The claim must include detailed information about the alleged malpractice, supporting medical documentation, and a specific damages amount being sought.

Veterans must be aware of strict deadlines when filing claims. Under the FTCA, administrative claims must be filed within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or no response is received after six months, 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 North Dakota →

North Dakota Legal Considerations for Fargo VA Medical Center Claims

North Dakota's medical malpractice statute of limitations (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-18) generally allows two years to file claims, which aligns with the FTCA's requirements. However, FTCA claims follow federal law rather than state law regarding procedural requirements and deadlines.

While North Dakota does not impose specific damage caps on medical malpractice awards, FTCA claims are subject to federal regulations regarding damages. You may be able to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice.

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Fargo VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member in North Dakota, you have specific legal protections, but there are strict deadlines you must follow to preserve your claim.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the medical negligence. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once your claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if your claim isn't resolved satisfactorily.

For VA medical malpractice cases in Fargo, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues and the unique legal requirements of VA claims. They can accurately evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate how the negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim against the Fargo VA Medical Center, 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 can also include costs of long-term care and loss of quality of life resulting from the medical negligence.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Most experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to your situation, and help determine if you have a viable claim against the Fargo VA Medical Center.

Remember, while navigating the VA system can feel overwhelming, you don't have to face this alone. Taking the first step to contact an attorney who specializes in VA medical malpractice can help protect your rights and ensure you meet all required deadlines. The sooner you reach out, the better positioned you'll be to pursue the compensation you deserve.

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

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