The Doris Miller VA Medical Center in Waco, Texas, provides crucial healthcare to veterans throughout Central Texas. This facility offers a comprehensive range of medical services including primary care, mental health services, cardiology, and specialized veteran care programs. Medical errors and negligence can occur at any healthcare facility, including VA medical centers, despite generally appropriate care.
When medical malpractice happens at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center, veterans must pursue their claims through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These cases require specialized knowledge of both medical standards of care and federal law. At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – with both a licensed physician-attorney and registered nurse on staff – allows us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice cases and advocate effectively for veterans who have been harmed.
About Doris Miller VA Medical Center
The Doris Miller VA Medical Center is a federal healthcare facility providing comprehensive medical services to veterans in the Waco region. Located at 4800 Memorial Drive, this VA medical center offers both outpatient and specialty care services. The facility was named in honor of Doris Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II.
The medical center provides healthcare such as audiology, cardiology, dental care, dermatology, laboratory services, mental health treatment, and nutritional counseling. The medical center tailors these services to meet veterans' unique healthcare needs. The facility is part of the VA's Texas healthcare network, so it helps ensure veterans access quality medical care.
Common Types of Malpractice at Doris Miller VA Medical Center
Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can occur when providers fail to properly evaluate symptoms or order appropriate tests. This is particularly concerning in cardiology and mental health cases, where prompt diagnosis is crucial. Learn more about diagnostic errors →
Medication Errors: Veterans often manage multiple prescriptions, making them vulnerable to medication errors. These can include incorrect dosing, dangerous drug interactions, or failure to account for a patient's medical history.
Mental Health Treatment Errors: Errors in psychiatric care, medication management, or suicide risk assessment at this mental health-focused facility can devastate patients.
Laboratory Testing Mistakes: Errors in laboratory testing, including mishandled samples or incorrect interpretation of results, can lead to improper treatment decisions and harmful outcomes.
Treatment Delays: Veterans seeking care may experience worsening conditions and adverse health outcomes from extended wait times or delayed referrals to specialists.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Doris Miller 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 for medical malpractice. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the Department of Veterans Affairs, detailing the negligent care received at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center.
Claims must be filed with: VA Office of General Counsel 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420
There are strict deadlines for filing FTCA claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. 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 Texas →
Texas Legal Considerations for Doris Miller VA Medical Center Claims
Although Texas law typically imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 74.251), FTCA claims against the Doris Miller VA Medical Center adhere to federal guidelines. However, Texas damage caps may still influence FTCA settlements, as the federal government often considers state limitations when evaluating claims.
How do I file a malpractice claim against Doris Miller VA Medical Center?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Office of General Counsel. This claim must detail the negligent care received and specify the damages sought. Our firm can help ensure your claim is properly documented and filed.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Doris Miller VA Medical Center?
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 Doris Miller VA Medical Center directly?
No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the FTCA, which requires first filing an administrative claim with the VA. Individual VA employees cannot be sued personally.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Doris Miller VA Medical Center?
You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. birth injury claims → Our firm has recovered over $145 million for medical malpractice victims.
Do I need a Texas attorney for my Doris Miller VA Medical Center claim?
While not required, having an attorney with both medical and legal expertise is highly recommended. FTCA claims involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that require specialized knowledge.
What services at Doris Miller VA Medical Center are most often involved in malpractice claims?
Based on our experience, common areas for malpractice claims include mental health treatment, medication management, and diagnostic errors in specialty care services like cardiology and laboratory testing.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Texas
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Texas facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center in Waco, Texas, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent medical care, but you must follow specific procedures and deadlines.
You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim with the VA using Standard Form 95. This is a strict deadline - if you miss it, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Once you file your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable for VA medical malpractice cases at facilities like Doris Miller. These specialized attorneys can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. Their combined medical and legal expertise often proves crucial in building a strong case and maximizing your potential compensation.
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 who've experienced additional disabilities or worsened conditions due to negligent care, these damages can be substantial. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on compensation, though punitive damages are not allowed.
If you or a family member received questionable care at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center, don't wait to explore your legal options. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. During your consultation, an attorney can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Time is critical in these cases, so reaching out for a free evaluation as soon as possible can help protect your rights and ensure you meet all required deadlines.
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 Doris Miller 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 Doris Miller VA Medical Center.
- ⚖️Exclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Doris Miller 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
Doris Miller VA Medical Center Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Doris Miller VA Medical Center in Waco, 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 Doris Miller VA Medical Center medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Doris Miller 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 Doris Miller VA Medical Center.