Medical Malpractice at
Madigan Army Medical Center

Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington, Madigan Army Medical Center is one of the Army's largest and most advanced medical facilities in the Pacific Northwest. As a Level II Trauma Center and teaching hospital, it provides medical care to active duty service members, their families, military retirees, and veterans in the region.

While Madigan Army Medical Center strives to maintain high standards of care across its 205-bed facility, medical errors and negligence can still occur. If preventable medical mistakes happen at military facilities, patients can seek compensation for injuries under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Our firm's founder, a licensed attorney and medical doctor, brings unique insight to military medical malpractice cases. We combine FTCA claims experience and medical expertise to effectively evaluate and advocate for patients injured at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Established in 1944 and named after Colonel Patrick S. Madigan, this facility has grown to become the Army's third-largest military treatment facility. The hospital building opened in 1992 and features state-of-the-art technology while serving as a primary teaching facility for the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Madigan Army Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services including:

• Emergency Medicine: 24/7 Level II Trauma Center
• Surgical Services: General, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery
• Women's Health: Complete maternity care and NICU services
• Specialty Care: Cardiology, oncology, neurology, and behavioral health
• Graduate Medical Education: Training the next generation of military physicians

The facility serves a diverse military population across the Pacific Northwest, providing both routine and complex medical care to service members and their families. Its status as a Level II Trauma Center makes it a crucial emergency care resource for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community.

• Birth Injuries: As a major military hospital providing maternal care, Madigan handles numerous deliveries annually. Birth injuries can result from delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to monitor fetal distress. Learn more about military birth injuries in Washington →

• Surgical Errors: Preventable errors like wrong-site surgery, retained objects, or anesthesia mistakes can occur in the surgical departments. Staff rotation and deployment schedules create unique challenges for military hospitals. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: As a Level II Trauma Center, delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or improper triage in Madigan's ER can have severe consequences. Military emergency departments often face high patient volumes and staffing pressures. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Medication Errors: Mistakes in medication type, dosage, or administration can occur in any department. Military pharmacies and electronic health records systems present unique challenges that can contribute to these errors.

• Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses, particularly in complex conditions, can result in devastating outcomes. Military healthcare providers may face time constraints and high patient loads that impact diagnostic accuracy.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), patients injured by negligent medical care at Madigan Army Medical Center must first file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit. This process begins with submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate military claims office.

For Madigan Army Medical Center claims, the SF-95 should be submitted to: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Joint Base Lewis-McChord Building 2027 Liggett Avenue Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433

Critical deadlines apply to FTCA claims:

• The administrative claim must be filed within 2 years of the date the malpractice was discovered
• The military has 6 months to investigate and respond to the claim
• If the claim is denied, you have 6 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's medical malpractice statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.350) allows three years from the date of injury or one year from discovery. However, FTCA claims follow federal deadlines, which are typically more restrictive. While Washington has no strict damage caps for medical malpractice, FTCA claims are subject to federal limitations and requirements.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the appropriate military claims office. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial documentation and gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.

Under the FTCA, you must file your administrative claim within 2 years of discovering the malpractice. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Madigan Army Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the hospital or its employees directly. The FTCA requires that claims be brought against the United States government, not individual providers or facilities.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Madigan Army Medical Center?

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. However, FTCA claims have specific limitations on certain types of damages.

Do I need a Washington attorney for my Madigan Army Medical Center claim?

While not required, having an attorney experienced in both military medical malpractice and FTCA claims is crucial. Our firm handles cases nationwide and understands the unique aspects of military medicine.

How long does a Madigan Army Medical Center malpractice claim take?

The process typically takes 12-24 months, including the mandatory 6-month administrative review period. Complex cases involving serious injuries may take longer to resolve properly.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Washington facilities:

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

If you've experienced medical malpractice at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligent medical care at this facility, but strict deadlines and procedures must be followed.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This starts with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. Once your claim is filed, Madigan and the Department of Defense have six months to investigate and respond. Only after this administrative process can you file a federal lawsuit if your claim is denied or inadequately settled.

For military medical malpractice cases at Madigan, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor can significantly strengthen your case. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with Madigan's medical staff and government attorneys. They can also accurately assess the long-term impact of your injuries and ensure all future medical needs are considered in your claim.

Under the FTCA, you can recover various types of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans treated at Madigan, this might include specialized care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and long-term disability support. Family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.

If you or a family member has experienced questionable medical care at Madigan Army Medical Center, don't wait to explore your legal options. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free case evaluations and can help determine if you have a viable claim. These consultations are confidential and come with no obligation. Remember, while the legal process can seem daunting, you don't have to navigate it alone. Seeking qualified legal help early can protect your rights and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical negligence at this military facility.

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 →