Medical Malpractice at
88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center

The 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is one of Ohio's largest military treatment facilities, providing comprehensive healthcare services to active duty service members, their families, and military retirees. As a major Air Force medical center, it offers a wide range of services including emergency care, surgical procedures, obstetrics, and specialty medicine.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at Wright-Patterson AFB despite their commitment to quality care. When preventable mistakes lead to patient harm, victims have the right to seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both military medicine and federal law.

Our firm is led by a licensed physician-attorney with over 25 years of experience in military medical malpractice claims, so we understand the unique challenges. Our medical background allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims and identify departures from the standard of care at military facilities like the 88th Medical Group.

The 88th Medical Group serves as the primary medical facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, located at 4881 Sugar Maple Drive in Dayton, Ohio. In 2011, the facility completed major renovations to enhance services for the region's military community.

The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services through multiple specialized departments including:

• Primary Care Services: Family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine
• Surgical Services: General surgery, orthopedics, and ENT procedures
• Emergency Services: 24/7 emergency department
• Women's Health: Complete obstetric and gynecological care
• Specialty Care: Cardiology, mental health, physical therapy, and rehabilitation

Under Col. Timothy D. Hoff, the facility also trains military medical residents and fellows as a teaching hospital. This educational mission helps maintain high standards of care while preparing the next generation of military healthcare providers.

• Birth Injuries: The obstetrics department handles numerous deliveries annually. Staffing challenges and poor communication often cause delayed C-sections and labor complications in military hospitals. Learn more about birth injury claims in Ohio →

• Surgical Errors: From routine procedures to complex operations, surgical mistakes can occur due to factors like inadequate pre-operative planning or poor post-operative monitoring. Military surgery departments often face unique challenges with staff rotation and deployment. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed diagnosis or treatment can have devastating consequences. Military ER staffing patterns and handoff procedures can contribute to errors. Learn more about emergency room error claims →

• Medication Errors: Problems with medication ordering, dispensing, or administration can occur in any department. Military pharmacies and electronic health records systems present unique challenges that can increase error risk.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients who suffered harm due to medical negligence must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation. This claim must be filed with the Air Force Claims Service Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

The process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) along with supporting medical documentation and expert opinions. The claim must detail the specific acts of negligence, resulting injuries, and damages sought. Military claims officers investigate and evaluate the claim during a mandatory 6-month review.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims:

• The administrative claim must be filed within 2 years of when the malpractice was discovered
• After a claim denial, you have 6 months to file a federal lawsuit
• Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Ohio →

While Ohio's medical malpractice laws (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.113) set a one-year statute of limitations, FTCA claims follow federal timelines. However, Ohio's damage caps may still apply to FTCA cases through the Federal Tort Claims Act's "law of the place" provision. These caps limit non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.

For detailed information about how Ohio law affects military medical malpractice claims, visit our main guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Ohio →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Air Force Claims Service Center. This claim should detail the negligence, injuries, and damages sought. Working with an experienced military medical malpractice attorney ensures proper claim preparation.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against 88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently.

Can I sue 88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Claims must be filed against the United States government under the Federal Tort Claims Act following specific administrative procedures.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at 88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center?

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Our firm has recovered over $145 million for military medical malpractice victims.

Do I need an Ohio attorney for my 88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney familiar with both military medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our physician-attorney provides unique medical and legal insights for these complex cases.

How long does the claims process typically take?

The agency has 6 months to investigate and decide on your administrative claim. If denied or no decision is made, you then have 6 months to file a federal lawsuit. The total process often takes 1-2 years or longer.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Ohio facilities:

• Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic (Columbus) →
• Chillicothe VA Medical Center (Chillicothe) →
• Cincinnati VA Medical Center (Cincinnati) →
• Dayton VA Medical Center (Dayton) →
• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (Cleveland) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases involve strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed precisely. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the appropriate military department. Once filed, the agency has six months to respond to your claim before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

For cases involving Wright-Patterson's medical center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. Military medical malpractice cases are extremely complex, involving both intricate medical issues and specialized federal laws. A doctor-attorney can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand your medical records in detail, and effectively communicate with expert witnesses. This dual expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with the unique aspects of military healthcare systems.

Through an FTCA claim against Wright-Patterson Medical Center, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For military family members, additional damages may include loss of consortium and household services. It's important to note that active duty service members cannot sue for injuries that occur during service (the Feres Doctrine), but their family members can pursue claims for their own injuries.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you believe you've been harmed by medical negligence at Wright-Patterson. Many experienced doctor-attorneys offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand whether you have a viable claim. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to military medical facilities, and help you understand your rights. Remember, these cases have strict deadlines, so it's crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure all procedural requirements are met properly.

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

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