Medical Malpractice at
Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center

The Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center provides healthcare to veterans in Eastern Washington, Northeastern Oregon, and North Central Idaho. This medical center provides essential services including primary care, mental health treatment, specialty care, and rehabilitation services to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at VA medical centers, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care at this facility. Veterans harmed by poor care at the Walla Walla VA can seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these claims require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm's doctor-attorney leadership brings unique expertise to VA medical malpractice cases. Having recovered over $145 million for victims of military and VA medical malpractice, we understand the complex intersection of medicine and federal law required in these cases. Our medical professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care that may constitute malpractice.

The Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center is a comprehensive VA medical facility providing both inpatient and outpatient services to veterans. Located at 77 Wainwright Drive in Walla Walla, the medical center serves as a primary healthcare resource for veterans across three states.

Director Christopher R. Bjornberg and Chief of Staff Dr. William Frazier lead the facility, which offers primary care, mental health treatment, specialty care, urgent care, women's health services, and rehabilitation programs. The center also provides crucial support services such as addiction treatment, audiology, cardiology, and dental care.

Veterans in eastern Washington can access comprehensive medical care at this center without traveling to larger metropolitan areas. The facility's multi-state service area makes it an essential resource for rural veterans throughout the region.

• Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can occur in the facility's primary care and specialty clinics. These errors often result from rushed appointments, inadequate testing, or failure to properly review test results. Learn more about VA diagnostic errors in Washington →

• Medication Errors: With the facility's extensive pharmacy services, medication mistakes can happen during prescription, dispensing, or administration. VA systems sometimes lack proper medication reconciliation protocols, increasing error risk.

• Surgical Complications: While the center performs various surgical procedures, errors can occur due to inadequate pre-operative planning, surgical technique issues, or post-operative care problems. Learn more about VA surgical errors →

• Mental Health Treatment Errors: Given the facility's significant mental health services, errors in psychiatric medication management or suicide risk assessment can have devastating consequences.

• Rehabilitation Injuries: The center's rehabilitation programs may sometimes result in injuries due to improper technique, inadequate supervision, or failure to account for a veteran's physical limitations.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit for medical malpractice at the Wainwright VA Medical Center. This claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel.

For claims involving care at the Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center, the SF-95 should be submitted to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel (023) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

Strict deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering the malpractice. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six months pass without a response, 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 →

Washington state law includes specific provisions for medical malpractice cases under RCW 7.70.100, though FTCA claims follow federal law. Unlike some states, Washington does not impose damage caps on medical malpractice awards, which can affect the potential recovery in FTCA cases.

The state's statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally three years, but FTCA claims must follow the stricter federal two-year deadline. For detailed information about Washington's medical malpractice laws, visit our Washington VA Medical Malpractice Guide →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Office of General Counsel. This claim must detail the injury, how it occurred, and the amount of damages sought.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Jonathan M. Wainwright 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 can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. The FTCA requires you to file a claim against the United States government, not the individual facility or its employees.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center?

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Unlike some states, Washington has no damage caps that limit recovery.

Do I need a Washington attorney for my Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and federal law significantly increases your chances of success. Our doctor-attorney team understands both the medical and legal aspects of VA malpractice claims.

What types of medical errors are most common at Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center?

Common errors include diagnostic mistakes, medication errors, surgical complications, and mental health treatment errors. birth injury claims → The specific types of errors often relate to the facility's primary services and specialties.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Washington facilities:

• American Lake VA Medical Center (Tacoma) →
• 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 Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, you have important legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases have strict deadlines and procedures you must follow. You have two years from the date of the negligent care to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim before you can file a federal lawsuit.

When dealing with medical malpractice at the Walla Walla VA, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals understand both the legal complexities of FTCA claims and the medical standards of care that should have been provided. They can effectively review your medical records, identify deviations from accepted practices, and articulate how the VA's negligence caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim against the Walla Walla VA, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical treatments needed to correct the negligent care, lost wages if you've been unable to work, and damages for pain and suffering. If you've lost a loved one due to VA medical negligence, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation.

The complexity of these cases makes it crucial to work with experienced legal counsel. Many veterans hesitate to pursue claims against the VA, concerned about costs or future care. However, most FTCA attorneys offer free initial case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your claim is successful. Additionally, filing a malpractice claim will not affect your VA benefits or future care eligibility.

To protect your rights and ensure the strongest possible case, you should reach out for a free consultation as soon as possible. An experienced doctor-attorney can review your medical records, explain your options, and help determine if you have a viable claim against the Walla Walla VA Medical Center. Don't let concerns about cost or complexity prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve for substandard VA medical care.

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 →