Medical Malpractice at
Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital

The Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls is a key medical center for veterans in eastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa. This full-service VA facility gives veterans comprehensive care, including emergency services, primary care, specialized treatments, and surgery.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any institution, including this facility, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. Veterans harmed by poor care at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm is led by a licensed physician-attorney with over 25 years of VA medical malpractice experience, offering us deep insight into complex FTCA cases. With our medical-legal expertise, we can evaluate claims against Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital and advocate for injured veterans.

The Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital is a VA Medical Center located at 2501 West 22nd Street in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Named after Royal C. Johnson, a World War I veteran and former South Dakota congressman, this facility serves as the primary VA healthcare provider for veterans across a tri-state region.

The medical center offers a comprehensive range of services including emergency care, primary care, specialty care, and surgical services. Key specialty departments include audiology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and women's health services. The facility maintains academic affiliations with the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and provides medical residency training programs.

As part of the VA healthcare system, Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital plays a vital role in delivering specialized veteran-focused medical care. The facility's staff are trained to address the unique health challenges faced by veterans, including service-related conditions and complex medical needs.

• Surgical Errors: Surgical errors at this facility can occur during pre-operative planning, surgery, or post-operative care. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and post-surgical infections. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases, but errors in triage, delayed treatment, or misdiagnosis can have severe consequences. Veterans may experience harmful delays or incorrect emergency interventions. Learn more about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Errors in diagnosis are particularly concerning in specialty departments like cardiology and gastroenterology. Missed or delayed diagnoses can lead to devastating outcomes when serious conditions go untreated. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, incorrect dosing, or failure to account for drug interactions can cause serious harm. These errors are especially concerning given the complex medication regimens many veterans require.

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 at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel.

For claims involving care at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital, the SF-95 should be filed with:

VA Regional Counsel 2501 West 22nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or no response is received after six months, 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 South Dakota →

While South Dakota state law typically imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims FTCA statute of limitations → (SDCL § 15-2-14.1), FTCA claims follow federal timelines. South Dakota does not currently impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, which can affect the compensation available in FTCA cases.

However, FTCA claims have their own unique requirements and limitations that differ from standard state medical malpractice cases. For detailed information about how South Dakota law intersects with FTCA claims, visit our South Dakota VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Sioux Falls. This must include detailed information about your injury and the negligent care you received, along with a specific damages amount.

You have two years from the date you discovered your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital directly?

No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA Regional Counsel.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital?

Under the FTCA, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages directly related to the negligent care you received.

Do I need a South Dakota attorney for my Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital claim?

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. VA medical malpractice claims involve complex federal laws and medical issues.

How long does the claims process take at Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital?

The VA has six months to investigate your administrative claim. If denied or no response is received, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. The total process can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on complexity.

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

• Fort Meade VA Medical Center (Fort Meade) →
• Hot Springs VA Medical Center (Hot Springs) →

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). 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 the process requires careful attention to strict deadlines and procedures.

The FTCA has a two-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury. Before filing a lawsuit, you must first submit an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you proceed with a federal lawsuit if necessary.

For cases involving the Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital, working with an attorney who has both medical and legal expertise is crucial. A doctor-attorney can properly evaluate your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. This dual expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with complex medical conditions and treatments common in VA hospital cases.

Under the FTCA, you can recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Unlike many state medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages, though punitive damages are not allowed. Your compensation will be based on South Dakota law, as FTCA cases use the law of the state where the negligence occurred.

If you believe you've experienced medical negligence at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital, don't wait to seek legal help. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your situation, explain the FTCA process, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, protecting your rights starts with taking action within the FTCA's strict time limits.

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 →