The Butler VA Medical Center, located in Butler, Pennsylvania, serves as a crucial healthcare provider for over 27,000 veterans throughout Western Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio. This comprehensive medical facility offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation services through its main campus and associated clinics.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at Butler VA Medical Center, despite their commitment to quality care. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard medical care, they have the right to seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims require specialized knowledge of both medical standards and federal law.
At the Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise sets us apart. Led by a licensed physician-attorney, our team understands the complexities of VA medical care and FTCA claims from both clinical and legal perspectives. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to advocate effectively for veterans who have experienced medical malpractice at Butler VA Medical Center.
About Butler VA Medical Center
Since 1947, the Butler VA Medical Center has served veterans, growing from a Pennsylvania Department of Health facility to a cornerstone of VA healthcare in Western Pennsylvania. The facility provides inpatient and outpatient services through its 126-bed system, which includes a 60-bed Community Living Center and 56-bed Domiciliary.
The facility completed a $103 million health care clinic expansion in 2017. This modern 246,612 square-foot facility features state-of-the-art Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) clinics, specialty care services, and a comprehensive Wellness Center. The medical center employs 787 dedicated staff members, including 191 veterans, operating with an annual budget of approximately $231 million.
The facility offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including primary care, mental health treatment, rehabilitation services, specialty care in areas such as cardiology and neurology, and various therapeutic programs. Butler VA Medical Center plays a vital role in Pennsylvania's VA healthcare network, providing essential medical services to veterans across multiple counties.
Common Types of Malpractice at Butler VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: While Butler VA Medical Center provides surgical services, errors such as wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia mistakes can occur. These incidents often result from communication breakdowns or procedural violations common in VA hospital settings. Learn more about surgical error claims →
Medication Errors: With its extensive pharmacy services and multiple specialty clinics, medication mistakes can happen through incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or dispensing errors. VA systems face unique challenges with medication management due to the complex needs of veteran patients.
Diagnostic Failures: Veterans seeking care at Butler VA may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in specialty areas like cardiology or neurology. These errors often stem from overwhelmed VA systems and communication gaps between departments. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Mental Health Treatment Errors: Because the facility focuses on mental health and addiction services, errors in psychiatric care, medication management, or suicide risk assessment can have devastating consequences. These cases require careful evaluation of VA mental health protocols and standards of care.
Rehabilitation Injuries: Because the facility emphasizes physical therapy and rehabilitation services, improper technique, inadequate supervision, or failure to monitor patient progress can lead to additional injuries or delayed recovery.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Butler VA Medical Center
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 Butler VA Medical Center. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.
The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once filed, 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 decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
For Butler VA Medical Center claims, attention to detail in documentation is crucial. Claims must include comprehensive medical records, expert opinions, and detailed descriptions of the negligent care received. Working with an experienced FTCA attorney can help ensure all requirements are met and deadlines are observed.
For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Pennsylvania →
Pennsylvania Legal Considerations for Butler VA Medical Center Claims
Pennsylvania's medical malpractice statute of limitations typically allows two years to file a claim (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524). However, FTCA claims against Butler VA Medical Center follow federal timelines and procedures, not state laws. While Pennsylvania has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims may be subject to federal limitations and guidelines.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Butler VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must include detailed documentation of your injury and the negligent care received. Our physician-attorney team can help prepare a comprehensive claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Butler VA Medical Center?
You have two years from the date you discovered your injury to file an administrative claim under the FTCA. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Can I sue Butler VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA. Individual VA employees cannot be sued personally for care provided within their employment scope.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Butler VA Medical Center?
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on the specific circumstances and extent of injuries.
Do I need a Pennsylvania attorney for my Butler VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and VA medical malpractice is highly recommended. Our firm handles cases nationwide and understands the complex intersection of federal law and medical care.
What if my claim at Butler VA Medical Center is denied?
If your administrative claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. Our experienced legal team can guide you through this process and represent your interests in federal court.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Pennsylvania
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Pennsylvania facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at the Butler VA Medical Center in Butler, Pennsylvania, you have the right to pursue a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and procedures you must follow. You have two years from the date of the negligent care to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
When dealing with medical malpractice at the Butler VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable to your case. A doctor-attorney understands both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of VA claims. They can accurately evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. This dual expertise is particularly crucial because VA medical malpractice cases often involve complicated medical conditions and treatment decisions.
Through an FTCA claim against the Butler VA, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical expenses required to treat injuries caused by negligent care, lost wages if you're unable to work due to your injuries, and damages for pain and suffering. For surviving family members in wrongful death cases, compensation may also include funeral expenses and loss of support.
Don't wait to explore your legal options if you believe you've experienced negligent care at the Butler VA Medical Center. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain your rights under the FTCA, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, taking prompt action is crucial not only because of the strict filing deadlines but also because medical evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes. Contact a qualified doctor-attorney today to discuss your potential claim and ensure your rights are protected.
Related Case Types in Pennsylvania
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Butler VA Medical Center claim
- 🩺Doctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Butler VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Butler VA Medical Center across all 50 states.
- 💰Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- 📅25+ 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.
- 🤝No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Butler VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Butler VA Medical Center in Butler, Pennsylvania, 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 Butler VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Butler VA 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 Butler VA Medical Center.