Medical Malpractice at
Providence VA Medical Center

The Providence VA Medical Center serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. As a comprehensive medical center with 73 beds and over 32 specialty clinics, this facility provides essential medical services to those who have served our country. The medical center's 150 board-certified physicians and 1,500 staff members provide care, from checkups to complex surgeries.

However, even at facilities like Providence VA Medical Center, medical errors and negligence can occur. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These cases require specialized knowledge of federal law and medicine, which our firm uniquely provides through our doctor-attorney leadership.

Our firm's founder brings both medical and legal credentials (MD/JD) to every case, allowing us to quickly identify potential malpractice and build stronger claims. This dual expertise has helped us recover over $145 million for veterans and military families who have suffered harm at VA facilities nationwide.

Established in 1948 following World War II, the Providence VA Medical Center has grown into a major healthcare hub for veterans in the region. Located at 830 Chalkstone Avenue in Providence, the facility operates as a fully accredited medical center offering both inpatient and outpatient services. Major expansions in 1977 and 1998 added new wings and ambulatory care facilities to meet growing veteran healthcare needs.

The medical center provides comprehensive services including surgery, oncology, cardiology, neurology, mental health care, and women's health services. The facility serves as a training site for Warren Alpert Medical School residents and conducts research programs worth over $20 million.

Providence VA Medical Center anchors a broader healthcare network that includes three Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in New Bedford, Hyannis, and Middletown. This integrated system ensures veterans throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts have access to both primary and specialty care services.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's role in providing both routine and complex surgical procedures, errors can occur during pre-operative planning, during surgery, or in post-operative care. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and post-surgical infections. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Care Mistakes: The Providence VA's emergency department handles urgent veteran care needs, but rushed decisions and inadequate staffing can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Veterans may experience harm from medication errors or failure to recognize time-critical conditions. Learn more about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: With 32 specialty clinics, proper diagnosis is crucial. Veterans may suffer harm when conditions are missed, diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed entirely. This is particularly critical in areas like oncology and cardiology where early detection impacts survival. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: The complexity of VA pharmacy systems and electronic health records can contribute to medication mistakes. Veterans may receive incorrect medications, improper dosages, or experience dangerous drug interactions. Learn more about medication error 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. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA office, detailing the injury and claiming a specific amount of damages.

Veterans must file Providence VA Medical Center claims with the VA Regional Counsel office overseeing Rhode Island facilities. The administrative claim must include sufficient detail about the medical care received, how it fell below acceptable standards, and the resulting harm. Supporting medical documentation is essential.

Veterans must be aware of strict deadlines. The FTCA requires filing an administrative claim within two years of when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or six months pass 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 Rhode Island →

Rhode Island's medical malpractice statute of limitations (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1) generally allows three years to file claims, but FTCA claims must follow the stricter federal two-year deadline. While Rhode Island does not impose caps on medical malpractice damages, FTCA claims are subject to federal limitations on certain types of damages.

For detailed information about how Rhode Island law intersects with federal requirements in VA medical malpractice cases, visit our state guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Rhode Island →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must be filed within two years of discovering the malpractice and include detailed information about the incident and damages sought.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Providence VA Medical Center?

Under the FTCA, 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 you from pursuing compensation.

Can I sue Providence VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the medical center 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 scope of employment.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Providence VA Medical Center?

Through an FTCA claim, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the malpractice. However, punitive damages cannot be recovered under the FTCA.

Do I need a Rhode Island attorney for my Providence VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and VA medical malpractice is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal laws and medical issues that differ significantly from standard medical malpractice claims.

How long will my Providence VA Medical Center malpractice claim take?

The process typically takes at least 8-12 months, starting with the mandatory 6-month VA review period for administrative claims. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the timeline can extend to several years depending on case complexity.

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the Providence VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific procedures you must follow.

You have two years from the date of the incident (or from when you reasonably should have discovered the injury) to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This form must be filed with the VA before any lawsuit can begin. 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.

For Providence VA Medical Center cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized attorneys understand both the complex medical issues involved and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with medical experts who may need to testify about your care.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans' families pursuing wrongful death claims, additional damages may be available. However, unlike private medical malpractice cases, punitive damages are not available under the FTCA.

If you believe you or a family member received substandard care at the Providence VA Medical Center, don't wait to seek legal help. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to evaluate your claim. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your legal options, and help you understand if you have a viable case. Remember, these cases have strict deadlines, so it's important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure your claim is properly filed.

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

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