Medical Malpractice at
Richmond VA Medical Center

The Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond is a key healthcare hub for nearly 200,000 veterans in central and southern Virginia. This 399-bed medical center provides essential care to veterans, offering services from routine checkups to complex surgical procedures. However, even at prestigious facilities like Richmond VA Medical Center, medical errors and negligence can occur with devastating consequences for veterans and their families.

If medical malpractice occurs at the Richmond VA Medical Center, claims must be pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which outlines the procedures for holding federal facilities accountable. Our firm offers unique expertise in these complex cases through our doctor-attorney leadership. We combine medical knowledge with legal experience to effectively evaluate and pursue VA medical malpractice claims. Having recovered over $145 million for our clients and with 25+ years of FTCA experience nationwide, we understand the medical and legal aspects of VA hospital negligence claims.

Established in 1946, the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center operates as a Level 1B facility within the VA healthcare system. The medical campus serves veterans across 22,515 square miles of Virginia, covering 52 cities and counties in the central and southern regions.

The facility offers a full spectrum of specialized medical services, including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and critical care. As a major teaching hospital affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, it maintains specialized centers for spinal cord injury and polytrauma rehabilitation. The medical center's 24/7 emergency department and extensive specialty care programs make it a crucial resource for Virginia's veteran community.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's role in performing complex procedures like cardiac and neurosurgery, surgical mistakes can occur. These may include wrong-site surgery, surgical instrument retention, or anesthesia errors. birth injury claims → Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The Richmond VA's busy emergency department handles critical cases around the clock. Delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, or failure to properly monitor patients can lead to devastating outcomes. Learn about emergency room error claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: With the facility's extensive specialty care services, missed or delayed diagnoses of conditions like cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders can have severe consequences. Understanding misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Veterans with multiple health conditions face risks of medication errors, including incorrect dosing, drug interactions, and administration mistakes.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit against the Richmond VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For Richmond VA Medical Center claims, submit your SF-95 to: Office of Regional Counsel (02) Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249

Critical 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 investigate and respond. If your claim is denied or the six months pass without a response, 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 →

Virginia's medical malpractice laws, including the statute of limitations (Va. Code § 8.01-243), can impact FTCA claims against the Richmond VA Medical Center. While Virginia has a medical malpractice damages cap (Va. Code § 8.01-581.15), federal law determines damages in FTCA cases. However, local medical standards of care still play a crucial role in establishing negligence.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Virginia facilities:

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

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Richmond VA Medical Center, you should know that the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a way to seek compensation for injuries caused by VA healthcare providers. However, strict deadlines apply - you must file your administrative claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about both the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

After filing your administrative claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. They may offer to settle your claim, deny it, or not respond at all. If your claim is denied or six months pass without a response, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For VA medical malpractice cases, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These doctor-attorneys understand both the complex medical issues and the specific legal requirements for FTCA claims against the Richmond VA Medical Center. They can review your medical records with expert insight, identify departures from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with treating physicians and expert witnesses.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses related to the negligent care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship or support. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Virginia.

If you believe you or a family member received negligent medical care at the Richmond VA Medical Center, you should speak with an experienced FTCA attorney as soon as possible. Most qualified attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, assess whether you have a viable claim, and ensure all deadlines are met. Don't wait to seek legal help - the sooner you act, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

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 →