The Dallas VA Medical Center, serving over 184,000 veterans across 40 North Texas counties, stands as one of the region's primary federal healthcare facilities. As part of the VA North Texas Health Care System, this comprehensive medical center provides essential services including emergency care, specialty treatments, and surgical procedures to our nation's veterans.
Medical errors and negligence can occur at the Dallas VA Medical Center despite its many dedicated healthcare professionals. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing justice requires navigating complex federal regulations and strict deadlines.
At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise provides an invaluable advantage in VA medical malpractice cases. Led by a licensed physician-attorney, our team understands both the medical complexities and federal regulations involved in FTCA claims. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we help veterans nationwide seek accountability for medical negligence.
About Dallas VA Medical Center
Located at 4500 South Lancaster Road in Dallas, Texas, the Dallas VA Medical Center is a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. This partnership enhances the facility's ability to provide comprehensive medical care while training the next generation of healthcare providers through various residency and fellowship programs.
The medical center offers a full spectrum of healthcare services, including:
- Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency medical services
- Specialty Services: Cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics
- Surgical Services: Advanced surgical capabilities
- Mental Health: Comprehensive behavioral health programs
- Women's Health: Specialized care for female veterans
- Rehabilitation Services: Physical and occupational therapy
The facility serves as North Texas's cornerstone for veteran healthcare, supporting diverse veterans across urban and rural areas. Directors Dr. Stephen R. Holt and Dr. Kendall Graham lead the medical center's expansion to meet veterans' evolving needs.
Common Types of Malpractice at Dallas VA Medical Center
Surgical Errors: Operating room mistakes at the Dallas VA can include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. These often result from communication breakdowns or procedural violations. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department can experience delayed treatment and misdiagnosis of serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Veterans may experience harmful delays during peak times or staff shortages. Learn more about ER malpractice →
Diagnostic Errors: Delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in complex conditions like cancer or neurological disorders, can lead to devastating outcomes. These errors often stem from rushed appointments or inadequate follow-up procedures. birth injury claims → Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →
Medication Errors: Incorrect prescriptions, dosing mistakes, or dangerous drug interactions can cause serious harm. VA pharmacy systems and multiple providers can contribute to these errors.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Dallas VA Medical Center
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against the Dallas VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed with the VA's Office of General Counsel using Standard Form 95 (SF-95).
Claims related to care at the Dallas VA Medical Center should be filed with: VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Claims Division (022D) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420
Critical deadlines apply to these claims:
- You must file your administrative claim within 2 years of discovering the malpractice
- The VA has 6 months to investigate and respond to your claim
- If your claim is denied, you have 6 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 Texas →
Texas Legal Considerations for Dallas VA Medical Center Claims
While Texas state law generally limits medical malpractice damages under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.301, these caps do not apply to FTCA claims against the Dallas VA Medical Center. Federal law governs these cases, allowing for potentially higher recoveries based on actual damages suffered.
However, Texas's comparative negligence rules may still affect your case evaluation. Understanding these complex interactions between state and federal law is crucial for maximizing your claim's value. Learn more about Texas-specific considerations in our detailed guide: Texas VA Medical Malpractice Claims →
How do I file a malpractice claim against Dallas VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA's Office of General Counsel. Our attorney-physician team can help prepare this documentation and gather the medical evidence to support your claim.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Dallas VA Medical Center?
You have 2 years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Can I sue Dallas VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Under the FTCA, you must first file an administrative claim and wait for the VA's response before pursuing a federal lawsuit.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Dallas VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. Unlike Texas state claims, FTCA claims are not subject to state damage caps.
Do I need a Texas attorney for my Dallas VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our physician-attorney team provides unique insights into both the medical and legal aspects of your case.
How long does the claims process take at Dallas VA Medical Center?
The initial administrative review takes 6 months, but the entire process can take longer depending on complexity. If litigation becomes necessary, the timeline may extend to several years.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Texas
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Texas facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical negligence at the Dallas VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member, the FTCA provides your path to seek compensation when VA medical care falls below acceptable standards.
Time is critical in these cases. You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. The process begins with filing Standard Form 95 with the VA, detailing your injury and damages. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if necessary.
For VA medical malpractice cases in Dallas, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their dual expertise helps build stronger cases and often leads to better outcomes for veterans and their families.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent disability, you may also receive compensation for long-term care needs and loss of quality of life. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims against the Dallas VA Medical Center don't include punitive damages.
If you suspect you've experienced medical negligence at the Dallas VA Medical Center, don't wait to seek legal guidance. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to evaluate your claim. During this evaluation, they can assess whether your case meets FTCA requirements and help you understand your options. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive - the sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact a qualified attorney today for a free, confidential evaluation of your potential claim against the Dallas VA Medical Center. Your service and sacrifice deserve nothing less than excellent medical care, and you have the right to seek justice when that standard isn't met.
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 Dallas VA 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 Dallas VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Dallas VA 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
Dallas VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Dallas VA Medical Center in Dallas, 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 Dallas VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Dallas VA 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 Dallas VA Medical Center.