Medical Malpractice at
Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive

The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive serves as a major healthcare facility for veterans in Western Pennsylvania, providing critical medical services including cardiology, surgical care, and specialized treatments. As a comprehensive VA medical center, it delivers both routine and complex care to thousands of veterans who have served our nation.

Despite high care standards across emergency services, cardiac surgery, and critical care units, medical errors and negligence still occur at this facility. If veterans are harmed by substandard care at this facility, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows them to seek compensation.

Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. Our medical and legal training allows us to quickly identify deviations from the standard of care and build stronger cases for our veteran clients. With over $145 million recovered for victims of medical malpractice, we understand the complexities of both the VA healthcare system and FTCA claims.

The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans throughout the region. With 24/7 emergency care, the facility is a referral center for specialized treatments like cardiac surgery and oncology care.

Key medical services include cardiology, critical care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, laboratory services, and specialized programs like sleep studies and hearing care. The facility houses multiple intensive care units, including a Critical Care Unit, Medical ICU, and Surgical ICU, allowing for treatment of the most seriously ill veterans.

Offering primary care and specialty services, the center plays a vital role in Pennsylvania's VA healthcare network. Its cardiology department operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing treatment for heart disease, vascular conditions, and other cardiac issues. Mental health services are also available, with dedicated crisis support available through their mental health line.

• Cardiac Surgery Errors: Given the facility's role as a cardiac surgery referral center, errors during heart procedures can have devastating consequences. These may include surgical mistakes, improper monitoring during procedures, or post-operative care failures. Learn more about surgical errors in Pennsylvania →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where prompt, accurate care is essential. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly triage can lead to severe harm. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Critical Care Unit Negligence: With multiple ICU settings, errors in critical care can be particularly dangerous. Common issues include medication dosing mistakes, failure to monitor vital signs, or delayed response to deteriorating conditions.

• Diagnostic Errors: Delays or failures in diagnosis can occur across all departments, particularly in complex cases requiring specialty consultation. These errors can lead to delayed treatment and worsened conditions. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

The law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of when they knew or should have known about their injury and its cause. Once the administrative claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and make a decision. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Your Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive claim must include detailed medical records, harm evidence, and supporting expert opinions. Working with an experienced VA medical malpractice attorney can help ensure proper filing and maximize chances of recovery.

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) typically allows two years to file claims, aligning with the FTCA's administrative claim deadline. While Pennsylvania has specific rules about medical malpractice damages, FTCA claims are governed by federal law, though they incorporate state liability standards.

How do I file a malpractice claim against Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive?

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This claim must include detailed documentation of the negligent care and resulting injuries. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare a comprehensive claim that meets all FTCA requirements.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive?

You have two years from when you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury and its cause to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. All claims must be filed under the FTCA, which makes the federal government the proper defendant.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive?

Under the FTCA, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Punitive damages cannot be awarded against the federal government under the FTCA.

Do I need a Pennsylvania attorney for my Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both VA medical malpractice and FTCA claims significantly increases your chances of success. Our firm's unique doctor-attorney insight provides additional advantages in building strong cases.

What types of medical errors are most common at Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive?

Based on the facility's services, common errors can occur in cardiac surgery, emergency care, critical care units, and diagnostic procedures. Each department presents unique risks that require careful investigation by qualified medical-legal professionals.

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 Pittsburgh VA Medical Center-University Drive, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but strict deadlines and procedures must be followed.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years from 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. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if your claim is denied or inadequately settled.

For VA medical malpractice cases at Pittsburgh's University Drive facility, 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 healthcare providers. They can also accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and their long-term implications, which is crucial for determining fair compensation.

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. If you've lost a loved one due to VA medical negligence, surviving family members may be eligible for wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of support.

Given the complexity of these cases and the strict deadlines involved, it's essential to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many experienced medical malpractice attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to veterans and their families. During this evaluation, they can assess the merits of your case, explain your legal options, and help determine the best path forward. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help – most attorneys handling VA medical malpractice cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they recover compensation for you.

Take the first step in protecting your rights by contacting a qualified attorney who specializes in VA medical malpractice cases for a free case evaluation. Your service and sacrifice deserve nothing less than excellent medical care, and you have the right to seek justice when that standard isn't met.

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 →