Medical Malpractice at
George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center

The George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City is a key healthcare provider for veterans in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. As a Level 1a facility - the VA's highest complexity rating - this medical center provides comprehensive services including emergency care, specialized surgery, cardiology, and mental health treatment to thousands of veterans annually.

Medical errors and negligence can occur despite the facility's high care standards. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at this facility, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing these claims requires specialized knowledge of both medical standards and federal law.

Our firm brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. Because we have both medical and legal training, we understand how VA healthcare protocols and federal liability laws interact. Our background and 25+ years of FTCA claims experience allow us to advocate effectively for veterans harmed at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center.

Established in 1952, the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center operates 121 beds and serves as one of the region's premier veteran healthcare facilities. The medical center is named after George E. Wahlen, a Medal of Honor recipient and distinguished veteran who exemplified service and sacrifice.

The facility serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Utah School of Medicine while delivering comprehensive medical services. Key specialties include cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, mental health care, and rehabilitation services. The emergency department operates 24/7 to serve veteran needs.

As a Level 1a facility, this medical center handles the most complex medical cases and serves as a referral center for other VA facilities in the region. The hospital's advanced capabilities and specialized programs make it an essential resource for veterans requiring sophisticated medical care across Utah and neighboring states.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's role in complex surgeries, mistakes can occur during cardiac, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures. VA surgical errors often stem from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or mismanagement can have severe consequences. Understaffing and triage errors are common contributing factors. Learn more about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses, particularly in complex conditions, can result in devastating outcomes. These errors often occur due to rushed appointments or inadequate follow-up in the VA system. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can cause serious harm. The VA's electronic health record system, while advanced, can contribute to medication errors if not properly utilized.

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 with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For claims involving the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, administrative claims should be filed with:

VA Regional Counsel (Region 22) 125 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84138

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once filed, the VA has six months to review the claim. If the claim is denied or the review period expires, 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 Utah →

While Utah state law typically limits medical malpractice claims to four years (Utah Code § 78B-3-404), FTCA claims must follow the federal two-year statute of limitations. Utah's damage caps on medical malpractice claims do not apply to FTCA cases, which are governed by federal law. However, FTCA claims cannot include punitive damages against the federal government.

If you've experienced medical malpractice at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and requirements that you must follow. You have two years from the date of injury to file an administrative claim with the VA using Standard Form 95. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with VA medical malpractice cases in Salt Lake City, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues at the VA hospital and the intricate legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and build a compelling case that demonstrates how the VA's negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim against the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These can include coverage for additional medical treatments needed to address the injury, rehabilitation costs, lost wages if you're unable to work, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've lost a loved one due to VA medical negligence, you may be able to pursue wrongful death damages.

It's important to note that FTCA claims against the Salt Lake City VA are different from private medical malpractice cases. The federal government has specific procedures and limitations that must be followed precisely. Missing a deadline or failing to properly document your claim could result in losing your right to compensation entirely.

To protect your rights and understand your options, consider reaching out for a free case evaluation with an attorney experienced in VA medical malpractice cases. Many firms that handle these cases offer complimentary consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case. Don't wait to seek legal guidance, as gathering evidence and building a strong claim takes time within the FTCA's strict deadlines.

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

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