Veterans trust Vermont's federal healthcare facilities to provide safe treatment. Medical mistakes can cause devastating spinal cord injuries that change lives forever.
Each year, 17,730 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States. Many result from medical errors. Our founding attorney is a doctor and a lawyer. This helps us understand medical standards and evaluate spinal injury cases.
If you were hurt at a Vermont VA or military facility, you can seek justice under the Federal Tort Claims Act. FTCA claims have strict deadlines and special rules. You must understand these rules to protect your rights.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injury at Vermont Military & VA Hospitals?
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Surgical Errors During Spinal Procedures: Wrong instrument placement or damaged nerves during surgery can cause paralysis.
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Failure to Properly Position Patients: Poor positioning during surgery can compress the spine and cause nerve damage.
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Delayed Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Compression: If doctors miss signs of compression from tumors or infections, it can lead to paralysis.
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Medication Errors Affecting Spinal Function: Wrong doses of spinal medications can damage the cord or reduce blood flow.
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Inadequate Post-Surgical Monitoring: Missing signs of swelling or infection after surgery can cause permanent damage.
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Emergency Room Mismanagement: If medical staff poorly handle spine injuries, they can make partial damage much worse.
Vermont Facilities Where We Handle Spinal Cord Injury Cases
We help patients injured at these federal facilities:
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White River Junction VA Medical Center - A major VA hospital providing surgery and emergency care.
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Vermont Army National Guard Medical Facilities - Treatment centers serving military members and families.
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Federal Employee Health Centers - Healthcare facilities for government workers.
View all Vermont VA & Military Facilities
Warning Signs of Spinal Cord Injury Medical Malpractice
- Unexpected paralysis during or after a medical procedure
- Healthcare providers who seem confused or unprepared
- Spine problems after anesthesia or injections
- Staff who fail to protect your spine during movement
- Spinal injury during a normally safe procedure
- No warning about spinal injury risks
- Delayed treatment of complications
Damages Available in Vermont Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Economic Damages
Spinal injuries require extensive care:
- Lifetime medical costs
- Home modifications
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Personal care assistance
- Special equipment and transportation
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Emotional distress
- Impact on relationships
- Loss of independence
Vermont-Specific Considerations
Vermont does not cap medical malpractice damages — there is no applicable cap statute under Vermont law. For FTCA claims, federal law governs under 28 U.S.C. § 2674, and no state damages cap binds the FTCA award.