Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) serves as the primary military healthcare facility at Fort Hood, Texas, providing critical medical services to active duty service members, military retirees, and their families across Central Texas. As a Level III Military Treatment Facility with 147 beds and nearly one million square feet of medical space, CRDAMC handles everything from routine care to complex surgeries and emergency services.
CRDAMC generally provides quality medical care, but preventable medical errors still occur. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, patients may suffer serious injuries or death. Our law firm is led by a licensed physician and attorney, allowing us to understand the complex medical and legal issues in military medical malpractice cases.
Claims against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center must be pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has specific procedures and deadlines. Our unique medical-legal expertise allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims and guide injured patients through the complex FTCA process.
About Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center opened its current state-of-the-art facility in 2016 following a $538 million construction project. The new hospital spans nearly one million square feet, triples the previous facility's size, and serves over 100,000 beneficiaries as a Level III Military Treatment Facility.
The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services including emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, and primary care. CRDAMC also operates several graduate medical education programs, including residencies in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pharmacy. The facility handles approximately 2,400 births annually through its Department of Women's Health.
CRDAMC, a premier Army medical facility in Texas, maintains military readiness while providing essential healthcare to service members and their families. The facility's emergency department operates 24/7 as a Level III Trauma Center, prepared to handle both routine emergencies and mass casualty events.
Common Types of Malpractice at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Birth Injuries: With approximately 2,400 deliveries annually, obstetric negligence can result in serious harm to mothers and infants. Staffing shortages at military hospitals frequently affect labor and delivery care quality. Learn more about birth injury claims →
Surgical Errors: CRDAMC performs numerous surgical procedures across multiple specialties. Surgical mistakes may occur due to provider inexperience or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: As a Level III Trauma Center, CRDAMC's ED handles critical cases where delayed or incorrect treatment can be catastrophic. Military emergency departments often face unique challenges with surge capacity. Learn more about ER malpractice →
Medication Errors: Prescription and administration errors can occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Military pharmacies handle large volumes which can increase error risks.
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses may result from inadequate testing, poor communication between providers, or failure to properly evaluate symptoms.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), if you're injured by negligent care at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, you must file an administrative claim before suing. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate military claims office.
For CRDAMC claims, the administrative claim should be filed with: Army Claims Service U.S. Army Claims Service 4411 Llewellyn Avenue Fort Meade, Maryland 20755
Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about both the injury and its cause. After filing, the agency has six months to investigate and respond. If your claim is denied or the six months pass without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
For complete step-by-step instructions on filing your claim, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Texas →
Texas Legal Considerations for Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Claims
Texas's medical malpractice damage limits under the Texas Medical Liability Act (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 74.301) don't apply to FTCA claims against federal facilities like Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. However, FTCA claims must still prove negligence using Texas's medical standard of care as a benchmark.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Army Claims Service. This claim must detail the nature of the negligence, resulting injuries, and requested damages. Our doctor-attorney team can help properly document your claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center?
You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) both your injury and its cause to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Can I sue Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the hospital or its employees directly. Claims must be filed against the United States government under the FTCA after completing the administrative claim process.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center?
FTCA claims can recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Unlike Texas state claims, FTCA claims are not subject to state damage caps.
Do I need a Texas attorney for my Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center claim?
While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both military medical malpractice and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm's doctor-attorney brings unique medical and legal expertise to these complex cases.
What happens if my administrative claim is denied?
If your claim is denied or six months pass without a response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit. This requires precise compliance with federal court procedures and evidence rules.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Texas
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Texas facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you or a family member received negligent medical care at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for medical malpractice. However, these cases have strict deadlines and specific requirements that must be followed precisely.
You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the medical negligence. This is done by submitting a detailed Standard Form 95 to the Department of the Army. Once filed, the agency 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 cases involving Darnall Army Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a physician is particularly valuable. Military medical malpractice cases involve complex medical records, technical terminology, and specific military healthcare protocols. A doctor-attorney can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand the full scope of your injuries, and effectively communicate with military medical experts during the claims process.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For military families, this can include long-term care costs, necessary medical equipment, rehabilitation services, and compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulting from negligent care.
If you suspect you've experienced medical malpractice at Darnall Army Medical Center, it's crucial to have your case evaluated by qualified legal professionals as soon as possible. Many attorney-physician law firms offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options under the FTCA. During this evaluation, they can assess whether your case meets the legal requirements, explain the claims process in detail, and help you understand what documentation will be needed to support your claim.
Remember, while active duty service members generally cannot file medical malpractice claims, their family members can pursue FTCA claims, and veterans can file claims for post-service care received at military facilities. Don't let uncertainty about the process prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve for medical negligence.
Related Case Types in Texas
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Texas:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center claim
- 🩺Doctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center across all 50 states.
- 💰Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- 📅25+ Years of Experience
Our firm brings decades of experience to every case, understanding the nuances of federal litigation and the specific challenges of suing federal facilities.
- 🤝No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas, you may have a right to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Archuleta Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation to help you understand your legal options:
- Review your Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.