The Coatesville VA Medical Center provides crucial healthcare for Pennsylvania veterans through its 302-bed main campus, offering comprehensive services from primary care to specialized mental health treatment. This facility is one of 170 VA medical centers nationwide. It delivers healthcare to over 17,000 veterans annually through its main hospital and two community-based outpatient clinics.
While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can still occur. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a claim against a VA facility requires specialized knowledge of both medical standards of care and federal law.
Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. Because we have medical and legal training, we understand the complex interplay between VA healthcare delivery systems and federal tort law. This distinctive combination has helped us recover over $145 million for veterans and military families harmed by medical negligence.
About Coatesville VA Medical Center
Established in 1929, the Coatesville VA Medical Center originally focused on providing neuropsychiatric care to veterans. Today, the center is a comprehensive healthcare system. Its 126-acre campus houses 42 buildings with 148 residential rehabilitation treatment program beds, 126 community living center beds, and 28 mental health beds.
Over 1,100 healthcare professionals work at the facility, including 196 nurses and 43 physicians, with veterans making up 22% of the staff. The center is an academic affiliate of Drexel University College of Medicine. It trains future healthcare providers and is a leading VA system for mental health care nationwide.
The medical center offers many services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation services. It's particularly noted for its behavioral health programs, with CARF-accredited services in psychosocial rehabilitation and mental health intensive case management. The facility serves veterans throughout Pennsylvania through its main hospital and two community-based outpatient clinics in West Norriton and Newtown Square.
Common Types of Malpractice at Coatesville VA Medical Center
Mental Health Treatment Errors: Given the facility's focus on psychiatric care, errors in medication management, suicide risk assessment, or treatment planning can have devastating consequences. VA hospitals often face challenges with staffing shortages in mental health units, potentially leading to rushed assessments or inadequate monitoring. Learn more about mental health malpractice claims →
Surgical and Procedural Errors: While not a major surgical center, the facility performs various procedures including dental surgery and other specialized interventions. Errors during these procedures can result from communication breakdowns or failure to follow proper protocols. Learn more about surgical error claims →
Medication Errors: With extensive pharmaceutical services and a large patient population receiving multiple medications, errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can occur. VA systems' transition to electronic health records has created new challenges in medication management. Learn more about medication error claims →
Diagnostic Delays and Errors: The facility's diverse specialty services, including neurology and dermatology, require accurate and timely diagnosis. Systemic delays in VA appointment scheduling can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Coatesville VA Medical Center
Filing a medical malpractice claim against the Coatesville VA Medical Center requires following specific procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675). The process begins with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office before any lawsuit can be initiated.
Claims must be submitted to the VA Regional Counsel office serving Pennsylvania. The administrative claim must include detailed information about the incident, medical evidence supporting the claim, and a specific amount of damages sought. The VA has six months to investigate and respond to the administrative claim.
Key deadlines are critical: You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. If the VA denies your claim or fails to respond within six months, you have six months from that date 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 Pennsylvania →
Pennsylvania Legal Considerations for Coatesville VA Medical Center Claims
Pennsylvania's Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act establishes specific requirements for medical malpractice cases, including a seven-year statute of repose. However, FTCA claims against the Coatesville VA Medical Center follow federal law, which provides a two-year statute of limitations (28 U.S.C. § 2401(b)).
While Pennsylvania does not cap compensatory damages in medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims may be subject to federal limitations and requirements. For detailed information about how Pennsylvania law intersects with federal regulations in VA medical malpractice cases, visit our Pennsylvania VA Medical Malpractice Guide →
How do I file a malpractice claim against Coatesville VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must include detailed information about the incident and supporting medical evidence. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare and submit this crucial documentation.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Coatesville VA 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 Coatesville VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against the United States government, not the individual facility or healthcare providers.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Coatesville VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. Under the FTCA, punitive damages are not recoverable against the federal government.
Do I need a Pennsylvania attorney for my Coatesville VA Medical Center claim?
While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both VA healthcare systems and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney insight helps navigate both the medical and legal aspects of your claim.
How long does the VA have to respond to my claim?
The VA has six months to investigate and respond to your administrative claim. If they fail to respond within this timeframe, you may proceed with filing a federal lawsuit.
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 Coatesville VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania, you have the right to pursue compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, there are strict deadlines you must follow. You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. Once you submit this claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond before you can file a federal lawsuit.
When dealing with VA medical malpractice at Coatesville VAMC, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their dual expertise is particularly valuable when investigating cases involving surgical errors, medication mistakes, delayed diagnoses, or improper treatment plans.
Through an FTCA claim against the Coatesville VA Medical Center, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and their families, recoverable damages may also include costs for long-term care, medical equipment, and modifications to your home if needed due to disability resulting from negligent care.
If you believe you've been harmed by negligent medical care at the Coatesville VAMC, it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this evaluation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain your legal rights, and help determine if you have a viable FTCA claim. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking justice – most firms handle VA medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for you.
Remember, pursuing an FTCA claim not only helps you receive the compensation you deserve but also holds the VA accountable and can lead to improved care for other veterans.
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 Coatesville 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 Coatesville VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Coatesville 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
Coatesville VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, 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 Coatesville VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Coatesville 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 Coatesville VA Medical Center.