Medical Malpractice at
James H. Quillen VA Medical Center

The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center provides critical healthcare to veterans across eastern Tennessee, southeastern Kentucky, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia. As an academic affiliate of East Tennessee State University (ETSU), this medical center provides comprehensive medical services including surgery, emergency care, cardiology, oncology, and mental health treatment to our nation's veterans.

The facility strives to maintain high standards of care, but medical errors and negligence can still occur. Veterans who suffer harm due to substandard care at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm's unique combination of medical and legal expertise, including our founder who holds both MD and JD degrees, allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential malpractice cases at VA facilities like James H. Quillen. With over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand the complex interplay between VA healthcare systems and federal tort law.

Established in 1903 as the Mountain Branch of National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, the facility was renamed in 1982 to honor Congressman James H. Quillen. Today, it stands as a comprehensive VA medical center providing both primary and specialty care services to veterans throughout the region.

Director Dean B. Borsos leads the medical center in providing general surgery, cardiology, oncology, audiology, and critical care services. As a teaching hospital affiliated with ETSU, the facility plays a crucial role in training future healthcare providers while serving the veteran community.

The medical center delivers essential VA healthcare services to veterans across four states. Its emergency department operates 24/7, and the facility offers comprehensive specialty care services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of our veteran population.

• Surgical Errors: At James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. These incidents often occur due to communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The facility's 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or misdiagnosis can have severe consequences. Common errors include failure to properly triage patients or missed diagnoses of serious conditions. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Errors: Veterans at James H. Quillen may experience delayed or incorrect diagnoses, particularly in specialties like cardiology and oncology. These errors can result in delayed treatment and worsened medical conditions. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Because many veterans have complex medical needs, medication mistakes involving incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or administration errors can occur. These errors are often related to staffing issues or communication problems between departments.

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 James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. You must file this initial claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

The process begins with gathering medical records and evidence of negligence. Our medical-legal team, including our doctor-attorney and on-staff nurse, carefully reviews these records to identify instances of substandard care. We then prepare a comprehensive administrative claim that outlines the specific allegations of negligence and resulting damages.

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. Once the VA receives the claim, they have 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.

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

Tennessee's medical malpractice statute of limitations (T.C.A. § 29-26-116) typically allows one year to file claims, but FTCA claims follow the federal two-year statute of limitations. While Tennessee has damage caps for medical malpractice cases, these state limits don't apply to FTCA claims against federal facilities like James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This claim must include detailed information about the incident and supporting medical evidence. Our firm can help gather the necessary documentation and file your claim properly.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against James H. Quillen VA Medical Center?

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 seeking compensation.

Can I sue James H. Quillen VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government through the proper administrative channels first.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center?

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care costs. Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be recovered against the federal government.

Do I need a Tennessee attorney for my James H. Quillen VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm handles VA medical malpractice cases nationwide and has recovered over $145 million for our clients.

What happens if my initial claim is denied?

If your administrative claim is denied, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. This litigation phase requires extensive knowledge of federal court procedures and FTCA requirements.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Tennessee facilities:

• Alvin C. York VA Medical Center (Murfreesboro) →
• Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (Memphis) →
• Nashville VA Medical Center (Nashville) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee, you have legal 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 has strict deadlines and requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This initial claim must be filed with the VA before any lawsuit can begin. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you have six months from that date to file a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with medical negligence at Quillen VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. These specialized professionals understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that should have been provided. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from accepted medical practices, and articulate how these failures caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans' families pursuing wrongful death claims, additional damages may be available. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages, though punitive damages are not allowed.

If you or a family member received substandard care at Quillen VA Medical Center, you should consider having your case evaluated by an experienced FTCA attorney. Many firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Time is critical in these cases, so it's important to have your potential claim reviewed as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure compliance with FTCA deadlines.

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

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