Medical Malpractice at
American Lake VA Medical Center

The American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington serves as a crucial healthcare facility for veterans throughout the Puget Sound region. As part of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, this medical center provides essential services including primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation services to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at American Lake VA Medical Center, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. Veterans harmed by poor medical care have legal rights to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, claims against VA facilities involve complex federal regulations and strict deadlines that differ from standard medical malpractice cases.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows us to effectively evaluate VA medical malpractice claims. Our founder is both a licensed physician and attorney, giving us exceptional insight into both the medical and legal aspects of VA healthcare cases. With over 25 years of experience handling FTCA claims nationwide, we understand what it takes to hold VA facilities accountable.

Established in 1923, American Lake VA Medical Center originally served as a neuropsychiatric hospital before becoming part of the integrated VA Puget Sound Health Care System in 1983. Located at 9600 Veterans Drive in Tacoma, this comprehensive medical center continues its long tradition of serving veterans throughout Washington state.

The facility provides a wide range of medical services including primary care, cardiology, audiology, dental care, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation services. Under the leadership of Executive Director William Humphries and Chief of Staff Catherine Kaminetzky, MD, the medical center maintains multiple specialty clinics and treatment programs specifically designed for veterans' needs.

American Lake VA Medical Center works directly with other VA Puget Sound facilities to deliver integrated veteran care. The facility plays a vital role in delivering both routine and specialized medical services to the veteran population in the greater Tacoma area.

• Surgical Errors: During procedures at American Lake VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, or anesthesia errors. These often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative protocols. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Errors: Delayed or missed diagnoses are particularly concerning at VA facilities due to long wait times and overloaded systems. When serious conditions like cancer or heart disease go undiagnosed, veterans can suffer devastating consequences. Learn more about diagnostic error claims →

• Medication Errors: Veterans often receive multiple prescriptions through the VA system. Incorrect medications, dosing errors, or dangerous drug interactions can occur due to poor coordination between providers or pharmacy mistakes.

• Treatment Delays: Extended wait times for essential medical care at VA facilities can lead to worsening conditions. When necessary treatments are unreasonably delayed, veterans may experience preventable complications or deterioration of their condition.

• Mental Health Care Negligence: Given American Lake's history as a psychiatric facility, proper mental health treatment remains crucial. Failure to properly assess suicide risk, inadequate monitoring, or inappropriate medication management can have tragic consequences.

Before suing American Lake VA Medical Center for medical malpractice, veterans must file an administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675). This initial claim, filed on Standard Form 95 (SF-95), must detail the negligent care and resulting damages.

For claims involving American Lake VA Medical Center, the SF-95 should be filed with:

Office of General Counsel (022D) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once the claim is filed, the VA has six months to investigate and make a decision. If the claim is denied or no decision is made within six months, 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 Washington →

Although federal law governs FTCA claims, Washington state law may affect claims against American Lake VA Medical Center. Washington's medical malpractice statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.350) generally allows three years from injury, but the FTCA's two-year deadline precedes it. Washington does not impose damage caps in medical malpractice cases, which can affect the compensation available under the FTCA.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Office of General Counsel. This claim must be filed within two years of discovering your injury and include detailed information about the negligent care and damages.

Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue American Lake VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the United States government, following specific administrative procedures before any lawsuit can be filed.

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

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. The FTCA allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages based on Washington state law.

Do I need a Washington attorney for my American Lake VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, working with an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and VA medical malpractice is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal regulations and medical issues that require specialized expertise. birth injury claims →

What types of medical care are covered by FTCA claims at American Lake VA?

FTCA claims can arise from any type of medical care provided at the facility, including primary care, specialty services, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation services. The key is proving that the care fell below accepted medical standards.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Washington facilities:

• Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center (Walla Walla) →
• Madigan Army Medical Center (Tacoma) →
• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (Spokane) →
• Naval Hospital Bremerton (Bremerton) →
• Seattle VA Medical Center (Seattle) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, you should know that the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a way to seek compensation, but the process requires careful attention to specific deadlines and procedures. You must file your claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause. Once you file your administrative claim using Standard Form 95, the VA has six months to respond before you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

When dealing with medical malpractice at American Lake VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your case's success. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care in your medical records, understand complex medical terminology, and effectively communicate with treating physicians. They can also anticipate and counter the VA's medical defense strategies, which is particularly important given the complexity of cases often seen at American Lake VA's specialty clinics and mental health facilities.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans and military families, this can also encompass long-term care costs, medical equipment, and rehabilitation services. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages in Washington state, though punitive damages are not allowed.

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by negligent care at American Lake VA Medical Center, it's important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free initial consultations and will review your medical records at no cost. During this evaluation, they can determine if you have a viable claim and explain the specific timeline and requirements for your case. Don't let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help - most firms handle FTCA cases on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they recover compensation for you.

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

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