Medical Malpractice at
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center serves as a critical healthcare hub for veterans in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychiatric care to over 55,000 enrolled veterans. This medical center is a tertiary care facility affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and offers advanced treatments across multiple specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and mental health services.

Despite its important role in veteran healthcare, medical errors and negligence can occur even at this facility. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, pursuing a medical malpractice claim against a VA facility requires specialized knowledge of both federal administrative procedures and medicine itself.

Our law firm's MD/JD leadership brings unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. We understand complex medical issues, and our 25+ years of experience handling FTCA claims allows us to effectively advocate for veterans harmed at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center is a comprehensive tertiary care facility with 142 acute care beds and a 135-bed Community Living Center. This teaching hospital operates on a $540 million budget and serves America's sixth-largest metropolitan area across Philadelphia and six surrounding counties.

Several National Research Centers of Excellence are housed at the facility, including specialized centers for Parkinson's Disease, Mental Illness Research, Health Equity Research, and Substance Abuse Treatment. The medical center is part of the National Polytrauma Rehabilitation network, provides advanced care for complex injuries, and operates the National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans.

The facility's 2,750 employees provide comprehensive surgical, medical, and psychiatric services. Key specialties include cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and mental health care. The medical center also operates several community-based outpatient clinics throughout the region, extending care access to veterans across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's extensive surgical services, including bariatric and minimally-invasive procedures, surgical mistakes can occur. These may involve wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24-hour emergency department handles critical cases daily. Errors in triage, delayed treatment, or misdiagnosis of acute conditions like heart attacks or strokes can have devastating consequences. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: With multiple specialty departments, missed or delayed diagnoses can occur, particularly in complex conditions like cancer or neurological disorders. VA staffing issues and communication breakdowns often contribute to these errors. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: The facility's large pharmacy services and multiple departments create opportunities for medication mistakes. Veterans may receive incorrect medications, improper dosages, or experience dangerous drug interactions. These errors are often related to staffing shortages or communication issues common in VA facilities.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation against the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the medical negligence and resulting damages.

The claim should be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office serving the Philadelphia area. While the medical center is located at 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, the administrative claim must follow specific filing procedures to be properly processed.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans have two years from the date they discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) their injury to file the administrative claim. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, 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 Pennsylvania →

Pennsylvania's medical malpractice statute of limitations (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524) generally allows two years to file a claim, which aligns with the FTCA's requirements. While Pennsylvania has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims are subject to federal limitations and guidelines for damage calculations.

For detailed information about Pennsylvania's medical malpractice laws and how they interact with federal regulations, visit our main Pennsylvania VA malpractice page: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Pennsylvania facilities:

• Butler VA Medical Center (Butler) →
• Coatesville VA Medical Center (Coatesville) →
• Erie VA Medical Center (Erie) →
• H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center (Pittsburgh) →
• James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center (Altoona) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, you have the legal right to pursue compensation when negligent medical care at this VA facility causes injury or death.

The FTCA process begins with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. This strict deadline is crucial - missing it means losing your right to file a claim forever. Once you submit your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable for VA medical malpractice cases at the Crescenz facility. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues unique to veteran care and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately evaluate whether the care you received met accepted standards of medical practice and effectively communicate these technical details to claims adjusters and courts.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For veterans with service-connected conditions who received negligent treatment, the impact on your quality of life and ability to work may be particularly severe. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.

Don't wait to explore your legal options if you suspect medical malpractice at the Crescenz VA Medical Center. Many experienced medical-legal professionals offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a valid FTCA claim. Remember, protecting your rights begins with understanding them - reach out today to learn if you have a case worth pursuing.

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

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