Medical Malpractice at
Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center

The Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center serves as the primary VA healthcare facility for veterans across the Texas Panhandle region, providing critical medical services to approximately 26,000 veterans annually. Located in Amarillo, Texas, this medical center offers comprehensive care including emergency services, specialty care, and critical surgical procedures to those who have served our nation.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at established VA medical centers, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. When preventable mistakes happen, veterans have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. However, pursuing an FTCA claim against a VA facility requires specialized knowledge of both medical standards of care and federal tort law.

As a law firm led by both a licensed attorney and medical doctor, the Archuleta Law Firm brings unique medical-legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. Our in-house medical knowledge allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential claims against the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center and effectively advocate for veterans who have been harmed by substandard care.

The Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center serves veterans across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, New Mexico, Kansas, and Colorado, receiving its name in 2006 to honor a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. This comprehensive medical center maintains an academic affiliation with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, contributing to the education of future healthcare professionals while providing veteran care.

The facility offers an extensive range of medical services including primary care, mental health treatment, and specialized care in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and critical care. Their 24/7 emergency department ensures veterans have continuous access to urgent medical attention when needed. The medical center also provides comprehensive women's health services to meet the unique healthcare needs of female veterans.

This medical center is part of the larger VA healthcare network in Texas, serving approximately 26,000 veterans annually with inpatient and outpatient services. The facility's integrated approach to veteran healthcare combines primary care with specialty services, making it a vital resource for veterans requiring complex medical treatment in the region.

• Surgical Errors: Given the complex surgical procedures performed at this facility, errors can include wrong-site surgery, surgical instrument retention, or post-operative complications. VA surgical errors often stem from staffing issues or communication breakdowns unique to the federal system. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 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 delayed recognition of time-sensitive conditions. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Diagnostic Errors: Veterans may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in complex conditions requiring specialty consultation. These errors can be especially serious in cases involving cancer, cardiac conditions, or neurological disorders. birth injury claims → Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: The complexity of VA medication protocols can lead to dangerous prescribing errors, incorrect dosing, or harmful drug interactions. These errors are often related to electronic health record systems or pharmacy communication issues.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice. This claim must be filed with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office serving the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center.

The process involves strict deadlines that must be followed. Veterans have two years from the date they discovered (or should have discovered) their injury to file their administrative claim. Once filed, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to the claim. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Because FTCA claims are complex, documenting all aspects of the medical negligence and resulting damages is crucial. This includes gathering medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of economic and non-economic losses. Claims must be thoroughly prepared as the initial administrative claim limits the damages that can be sought in any subsequent lawsuit.

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

While Texas state law generally limits medical malpractice damages under the Texas Medical Liability Act (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 74.301), FTCA claims against VA facilities are governed by federal law. However, Texas's statute of limitations and some aspects of state malpractice law may still influence how claims are evaluated and valued.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Texas facilities:

• Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital (San Antonio) →
• Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) (Fort Sam Houston) →
• Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (Fort Hood) →
• Dallas VA Medical Center (Dallas) →
• Doris Miller VA Medical Center (Waco) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims follow strict procedures and deadlines that differ from standard medical malpractice cases. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice at Thomas E. Creek, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues and the unique legal requirements of VA claims. They can accurately evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with VA medical experts. This dual expertise is particularly valuable because FTCA claims against the VA require clear evidence of medical negligence and causation.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and military families in the Texas Panhandle region, these damages can be essential for covering additional medical care and supporting your family while you recover. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Texas, though punitive damages are not allowed.

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by medical negligence at Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center, you should consider speaking with an experienced FTCA attorney immediately. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from exploring your options - your initial consultation can help you understand your rights and the potential strength of your claim before making any commitments.

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

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