Medical Malpractice at
Fort Meade VA Medical Center

Fort Meade VA Medical Center serves as a critical healthcare facility for veterans across Western South Dakota, Northwestern Nebraska, and Eastern Wyoming. As part of the VA Black Hills Health Care System, this medical center provides essential services including emergency care, primary care, specialty services, and mental health treatment to our nation's veterans.

Preventable medical errors occur at Fort Meade VA Medical Center, even though most care meets accepted standards. When veterans suffer harm due to negligent care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, these claims require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm has medical and legal expertise; our founder has both MD and JD degrees, which allows us to evaluate and pursue VA medical malpractice claims effectively. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities like Fort Meade.

Fort Meade VA Medical Center has a rich history dating back to 1878 when it was established as an Army post. In 1947, the facility was converted to serve veterans' healthcare needs, and today it stands as a cornerstone of VA healthcare delivery in the region.

The medical center offers a comprehensive range of services including:

• Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency medical services
• Primary Care: Comprehensive veteran health management
• Specialty Services: Including cardiology, dermatology, and audiology
• Mental Health Treatment: Both inpatient and outpatient services
• Women's Health Services: Gender-specific care for female veterans

Fort Meade VA Medical Center coordinates with other VA facilities to provide accessible healthcare to veterans across three states as part of the VA Black Hills Health Care System.

• Emergency Room Errors: In the Fort Meade VA's emergency department, delayed treatment and misdiagnosis of serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes can lead to devastating outcomes. Understaffing or inadequate triage procedures often cause these errors. Learn more about emergency room malpractice →

• Surgical Mistakes: The facility's surgical services can be associated with preventable errors such as wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, or post-operative complications. VA surgical errors often stem from communication breakdowns or failure to follow safety protocols. Learn more about surgical malpractice →

• Diagnostic Failures: At Fort Meade VA, veterans may have delayed or missed diagnoses, especially for critical conditions like cancer or cardiac issues. Rushed appointments or inadequate follow-up procedures can cause these errors. Learn more about misdiagnosis →

• Medication Errors: Improper medication management, including incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors, can cause serious harm. Electronic health record mistakes or pharmacy communication problems often cause these issues.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against Fort Meade VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include detailed information about the negligent care and resulting damages.

The claim must be filed within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For claims involving Fort Meade VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office. Experienced legal counsel must protect your rights due to complex FTCA claims and strict deadlines.

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

While Fort Meade VA Medical Center claims fall under federal law, South Dakota state law can impact certain aspects of your case. South Dakota's medical malpractice statute of limitations (SDCL § 15-2-14.1) generally allows two years to file a claim, aligning with the FTCA's requirements.

South Dakota does not impose caps on medical malpractice damages, which can affect how FTCA claims are valued. However, under federal law, punitive damages cannot be recovered in FTCA cases. For detailed information about state-specific considerations, visit our South Dakota VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these South Dakota facilities:

• Hot Springs VA Medical Center (Hot Springs) →
• Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital (Sioux Falls) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center in South Dakota, you have important legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims involve strict deadlines and procedures that must be followed precisely. You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file your claim. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with medical malpractice at Fort Meade VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable to 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. Their unique dual expertise often proves crucial in building a strong case and maximizing your potential recovery.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages resulting from medical negligence at Fort Meade VA. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and military families, these damages can also encompass long-term care needs, specialized medical equipment, and modifications to your home if required due to your injuries.

The FTCA claims process can be particularly complex at Fort Meade VA, as it requires detailed documentation of both military and civilian medical care, proper filing of Standard Form 95, and careful navigation of federal regulations. Don't risk losing your right to compensation by missing deadlines or failing to properly document your claim.

Our team offers free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and military families affected by medical negligence at Fort Meade VA Medical Center. We understand the unique challenges faced by veterans in South Dakota and can help determine if you have a valid FTCA claim. Contact us today to speak with an experienced doctor-attorney who can review your medical records and explain your legal options. There's no obligation, and you won't pay any fees unless we win your case.

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

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