Medical Malpractice at
Hampton VA Medical Center

Established in 1870, Hampton VA Medical Center is a key healthcare facility for veterans in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. As one of the oldest VA medical centers still in operation, this 142-bed facility provides essential services including emergency care, cardiology, mental health, and various specialty treatments to our nation's veterans.

Medical negligence occurs at Hampton VA Medical Center despite most care meeting acceptable standards. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care, they have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing these claims requires specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our founder's MD and JD degrees, combined with our firm's medical and legal expertise, enable us to effectively pursue VA medical malpractice claims. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered, we understand FTCA claims against VA facilities like Hampton VA Medical Center.

Hampton VA Medical Center operates as a full-service medical facility with 142 operating beds, including 90 inpatient beds and 52 Community Living Center beds. The facility provides patient care and medical education as an Eastern Virginia Medical School affiliate, with Dr. Taquisa K. Simmons serving as Executive Director.

The medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, cardiology, mental health, primary care, women's health, rehabilitation services, audiology, dental care, dermatology, and gastroenterology. These services support veterans throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

Hampton VA Medical Center, originally the Southern Branch of National Military Home, is now a crucial part of Virginia's VA healthcare system. The facility's long history of serving veterans makes it an essential resource for military healthcare in the region, though this responsibility also comes with the obligation to maintain proper standards of care.

• Emergency Care Errors: With its 24/7 emergency department, Hampton VA Medical Center treats numerous urgent cases daily. Emergency room mistakes include delayed treatment, misdiagnoses, or failure to properly monitor patients. Learn more about emergency room malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Veterans often face delayed or incorrect diagnoses at VA facilities. This can include missed cancer diagnoses, failure to order appropriate tests, or misinterpreting test results. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Surgical Complications: The facility performs various surgical procedures, where errors can lead to serious complications. Common issues include wrong-site surgery, post-operative infections, or anesthesia errors. birth injury claims → Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can cause serious harm. These errors are particularly concerning given the complex medication regimens many veterans require.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Poor sanitation or inadequate infection control protocols can lead to dangerous secondary infections during hospital stays, particularly in long-term care settings.

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 at Hampton VA Medical Center. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For Hampton VA Medical Center claims, submit your administrative claim to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Regional Counsel (02) 210 Franklin Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24011

Strict deadlines apply to these claims. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. After filing, the VA has six months to review your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to resolve it within six months, you 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 Virginia →

While Virginia's medical malpractice laws typically include a two-year statute of limitations (Va. Code § 8.01-243), FTCA claims follow federal guidelines. However, Virginia's medical malpractice damage caps may influence FTCA claim values, as federal courts often consider state limitations in determining appropriate compensation.

For detailed information about Virginia-specific legal requirements and how they affect your FTCA claim, visit our main Virginia VA medical malpractice page: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Virginia →

First, file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel in Roanoke. This must include detailed information about your injury and the amount of damages you're seeking. Only after the administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if necessary.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Hampton VA Medical Center?

You have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the malpractice to file your administrative claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation.

Can I sue Hampton VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Under the FTCA, your claim must be filed against the United States government, not individual VA employees or facilities. All claims must first go through the administrative process.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Hampton VA Medical Center?

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. However, punitive damages cannot be awarded under the FTCA.

Do I need a Virginia attorney for my Hampton VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical matters significantly improves your chances of success. Federal tort claims involve complex legal and medical issues that require specialized knowledge.

How long does the claims process take at Hampton VA Medical Center?

The administrative review takes up to six months, after which you may need to file a federal lawsuit if your claim is denied. The entire process, including potential litigation, can take one to two years or longer depending on complexity.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Virginia facilities:

• Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center (Formerly Fort Belvoir Community Hospital) (Fort Belvoir) →
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (Portsmouth) →
• Richmond VA Medical Center (Richmond) →
• Salem VA Medical Center (Salem) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Hampton VA Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia, you have the right to pursue a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims follow strict procedures and deadlines that you must understand to protect your rights.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years from when you knew or should have known about the medical negligence. For veterans and military families dealing with the Hampton VA, this typically means two years from when you discovered an injury or poor outcome resulting from VA medical care. Once you file your administrative claim (using Standard Form 95), the VA has six months to investigate and respond. Only after this six-month period, or after the VA denies your claim, can you file a lawsuit in federal court.

Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly valuable for VA medical malpractice cases at facilities like Hampton VAMC. 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 against the Hampton VA, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've suffered permanent disabilities due to medical negligence, the claim may also cover long-term care needs and adaptive equipment.

If you or a family member has experienced questionable medical care at the Hampton VA Medical Center, it's crucial to have your case evaluated promptly by qualified professionals. Many attorneys who specialize in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations to review your situation and explain your options. During this evaluation, they can assess whether your case meets FTCA requirements and help you understand the potential timeline and value of your claim. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help – most VA medical malpractice attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.

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

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