Medical Malpractice at
Portland VA Medical Center

The Portland VA Medical Center serves over 95,000 veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington through comprehensive medical services and specialized programs. As part of the VA Portland Health Care System, this facility provides critical services including cardiovascular surgery, cancer treatment, mental health care, and rehabilitation services in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University.

While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can occur even at established institutions. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at the Portland VA Medical Center, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – including our founder who holds both MD and JD degrees – allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential malpractice cases against the Portland VA Medical Center. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for veterans, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities.

The Portland VA Medical Center operates as a full-service medical center within the VA Portland Health Care System. Located at 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road in Portland, this facility maintains a crucial academic affiliation with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), enhancing its ability to provide advanced medical care and specialty services to veterans.

Director Darwin Goodspeed and Chief of Staff Christopher Marino, M.D., lead the center's treatment for cardiovascular issues, oncology, critical care, audiology, and mental health. The facility's OHSU partnership supports residency and fellowship programs, advancing veteran healthcare through education and research.

As the main VA healthcare facility, the medical center coordinates care between VA clinics in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Its integration into the broader VA healthcare network ensures veterans have access to specialized treatments and comprehensive medical services.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's extensive surgical services, particularly in cardiovascular and general surgery, errors can occur during procedures. These errors may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative issues, or anesthesia mistakes. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Because the medical center has many specialties, missed or delayed diagnoses can be devastating. This is particularly critical in cardiology and cancer cases where early detection is essential. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Critical Care Errors: The facility's intensive care units handle complex cases where medication errors or monitoring failures can lead to serious harm. These errors often occur during shift changes or due to staffing shortages.

• Medication Administration Errors: Veterans receiving care for multiple conditions may be prescribed various medications. Errors in dosing, drug interactions, or administration can cause severe complications.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Despite infection control protocols, patients may develop serious infections during their hospital stay, particularly following surgical procedures or during extended admissions.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice at the Portland VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).

For claims involving the Portland VA Medical Center, submissions should be directed to:

VA Regional Counsel 1220 SW 3rd Avenue Suite 1400 Portland, OR 97204

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a resolution, 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 Oregon →

Oregon state law (ORS § 31.710) places certain limitations on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. However, FTCA claims against the Portland VA Medical Center are governed by federal law, which may affect how these state limitations apply. While Oregon's statute of limitations for medical malpractice is two years, the FTCA's strict filing deadlines take precedence in VA cases.

For detailed information about Oregon's medical malpractice laws and how they interact with federal regulations, visit our Oregon VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Portland. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury, and should include detailed documentation of the medical negligence and resulting damages.

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

The deadline is two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing a claim, so prompt action is essential.

Can I sue Portland VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government through the proper administrative channels.

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

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs. The specific amount depends on the severity of injuries and their impact on your life.

Do I need an Oregon attorney for my Portland VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medical malpractice and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. The complex intersection of federal law and medicine requires specialized expertise.

How long does the claims process take at Portland VA Medical Center?

The process typically takes at least 6-8 months, starting with the six-month administrative review period. If litigation becomes necessary, the timeline can extend to several years.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Oregon facilities:

• Eugene VA Clinic (Eugene) →
• Roseburg VA Medical Center (Roseburg) →
• White City VA Medical Center (White City) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Portland VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but the process is complex and time-sensitive.

You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This starts with filing Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For VA medical malpractice cases in Portland, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized lawyer-physicians understand both the legal requirements and the complex medical issues involved. They can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, effectively communicate with your healthcare providers, and accurately assess the full extent of your damages.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've lost a family member due to VA medical negligence, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Oregon.

Given the strict deadlines and complexity of FTCA claims against the Portland VA Medical Center, it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, they can assess whether you have a viable claim, explain your legal options, and help you understand what to expect from the process. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help - most FTCA attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.

Remember, the goal is not just compensation - it's also about holding the VA accountable and preventing similar incidents from happening to other veterans.

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

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