Medical Malpractice at
James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania serves as a critical healthcare provider for veterans across a 14-county service area. The facility's 1,300 staff members, including 394 nurses and 60 physicians, serve nearly 26,000 veterans annually through various specialty departments.

While most veterans receive quality care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can unfortunately occur. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have the right to seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims involve complex federal procedures and strict deadlines that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice cases.

Our firm's founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, bringing unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. This background allows us to evaluate medical evidence and navigate the FTCA claims process for cases against the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

Located at 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard in Altoona, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center operates as a 51-bed facility, with 28 beds dedicated to acute care and 4 specialized intensive care units. The medical center serves as part of Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 (VISN 4), playing an essential role in Pennsylvania's VA healthcare system.

The facility offers comprehensive medical services across multiple specialties including cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Their cardiology department provides advanced cardiac care including pacemaker placement and catheterization, while the neurology department treats conditions ranging from stroke to multiple sclerosis. The center also maintains robust mental health and substance use disorder programs.

The facility underwent renovations that enhanced its capabilities while preserving its historical significance. More than 25% of the staff are veterans, giving the medical center a unique understanding of the community it serves through primary and specialized care.

• Surgical Errors: With nearly 2,000 surgeries performed annually at this facility, surgical mistakes can occur during both routine and complex procedures. Common errors include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and anesthesia complications. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Cardiology Mistakes: Because the facility has an active cardiology department, errors in cardiac care can be serious. This includes delayed treatment of heart attacks, improper placement of stents or pacemakers, and medication errors affecting heart function.

• Neurological Care Errors: The neurology department treats complex conditions that require precise diagnosis and treatment. Mismanagement of stroke symptoms, delayed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, or improper treatment of spinal conditions can lead to devastating outcomes.

• Medication Errors: With multiple departments prescribing various medications, errors in dosing, drug interactions, or administration can occur. VA pharmacy systems must carefully coordinate prescriptions across departments to prevent dangerous interactions.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Proper sanitation and infection control protocols are essential, particularly in surgical and intensive care units. Failure to maintain sterile conditions or properly treat infections can lead to serious complications.

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. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office detailing the nature of the injury and claimed damages.

Injured veterans must file their claims within strict deadlines at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. The FTCA requires filing an administrative claim within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim.

If the VA denies the claim or fails to resolve it within six months, veterans have an additional six months to file a federal lawsuit. Missing any of these deadlines can permanently bar recovery, making it crucial to begin the claims process as soon as possible after discovering potential malpractice.

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

While Pennsylvania's Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act governs standard medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims follow federal law. However, Pennsylvania's substantive medical malpractice laws still inform the standard of care analysis. The state's seven-year statute of repose for medical malpractice (40 P.S. § 1303.513) does not override the FTCA's two-year statute of limitations.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Pennsylvania facilities:

• Butler VA Medical Center (Butler) →
• Coatesville VA Medical Center (Coatesville) →
• Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia) →
• Erie VA Medical Center (Erie) →
• H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center (Pittsburgh) →

If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but strict deadlines apply to your case.

Under the FTCA, you must file your administrative claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to 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, working with 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 unique combination of medical and legal expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with the specific challenges of care provided at facilities like the Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

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 pain and suffering. For veterans who've experienced additional disability or worsening of existing conditions due to negligent care, these damages can be substantial. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.

Given the complexity of FTCA claims and the strict deadlines involved, it's important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many attorneys who specialize in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your case. During this evaluation, they can assess the strength of your claim, explain your legal options, and help you understand the potential timeline and value of your case. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help - most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they secure compensation for you.

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 →