Naval Hospital Bremerton serves as a critical healthcare facility for military service members, their families, and veterans throughout the Puget Sound region. Located at 1 Boone Road in Bremerton, Washington, this naval hospital provides comprehensive medical services including emergency care, surgical procedures, maternal-child services, and specialty treatments to the military community.
Naval Hospital Bremerton generally meets accepted medical standards, but preventable medical errors occur at military facilities. When negligence leads to patient harm, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a legal pathway for victims to seek compensation. However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and military claims procedures.
Our firm's physician-attorney leadership brings unique medical-legal expertise to Naval Hospital Bremerton malpractice cases. Our doctor-attorney can thoroughly evaluate medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and build compelling cases backed by over 25 years of experience handling military medical negligence claims.
About Naval Hospital Bremerton
Naval Hospital Bremerton is a military treatment facility that opened its current location in 1980. The hospital serves as a teaching institution with Graduate Medical Education programs while providing comprehensive healthcare services to active duty personnel, their dependents, and military retirees in the greater Bremerton area.
The hospital provides general surgery, orthopedic procedures, gynecological care, and 24/7 emergency services. Their maternal-child unit provides complete labor and delivery care along with other women's health services. Under the command of Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, the hospital maintains its mission of operational readiness while delivering quality healthcare.
Naval Hospital Bremerton is part of the Puget Sound Military Health System and provides essential medical support to Navy and military installations throughout the region. The facility works in coordination with other military medical centers to ensure comprehensive care coverage for service members and their families.
Common Types of Malpractice at Naval Hospital Bremerton
Birth Injuries: The maternal-child unit handles numerous deliveries, but errors during labor and delivery can lead to serious complications. Military hospitals may face staffing challenges that increase risks during childbirth. Learn more about military birth injury claims β
Surgical Errors: With multiple surgical departments, preventable mistakes like wrong-site surgery or post-operative complications can occur. Military surgery centers often face high patient volumes that may impact safety protocols. Learn more about military surgical malpractice β
Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department treats critical cases where delayed diagnosis or treatment errors can have devastating consequences. Military ER staffing shortages can contribute to these errors. Learn more about military ER malpractice β
Medication Errors: Prescription mistakes, improper dosing, or medication interactions can cause serious harm. Military pharmacy systems and staff turnover may increase these risks.
Diagnostic Failures: Missed or delayed diagnoses, especially in emergency or specialty care settings, can lead to worsened conditions. Military medical rotation schedules may affect diagnostic accuracy.
Filing an FTCA Claim Against Naval Hospital Bremerton
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. Β§ 2675), patients who experience medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Bremerton must first file an administrative claim before pursuing litigation. This claim must be filed with the appropriate military claims office using Standard Form 95.
For Naval Hospital Bremerton cases, claims should be submitted to: Office of the Judge Advocate General Tort Claims Unit (TCU) 9620 Maryland Avenue, Suite 205 Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2949
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. The agency then has six months to review your claim. If your claim is denied or the review period expires, 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 Washington β
Washington Legal Considerations for Naval Hospital Bremerton Claims
Washington state law (RCW 4.16.350) generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. However, FTCA claims against Naval Hospital Bremerton follow federal timelines, not state ones. Washington has no strict damage caps on medical malpractice awards, which can affect compensation calculations in FTCA cases.
Learn more about Washington military medical malpractice laws β
How do I file a malpractice claim against Naval Hospital Bremerton?
You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Navy JAG Corps Tort Claims Unit. Our doctor-attorney team can help prepare this crucial documentation and navigate the FTCA claims process.
What is the deadline for filing a claim against Naval Hospital Bremerton?
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 Naval Hospital Bremerton directly?
No, you cannot sue the hospital or its employees directly. Claims must be filed against the United States government under the FTCA following specific administrative procedures.
What damages can I recover for malpractice at Naval Hospital Bremerton?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. Under the FTCA, punitive damages cannot be awarded against the federal government.
Do I need a Washington attorney for my Naval Hospital Bremerton claim?
While not required, working with attorneys experienced in both military medicine and FTCA claims significantly improves your chances of success. Our firm handles cases nationwide and has recovered over $145 million for clients.
What types of care-related claims are most common at Naval Hospital Bremerton?
Based on the facility's services, common claims involve birth injuries, surgical complications, emergency room errors, and medication mistakes. Each type requires specific medical and legal expertise to properly evaluate and pursue.
Other VA & Military Facilities in Washington
We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Washington facilities:
Understanding Your FTCA Rights
If you've experienced medical malpractice at Naval Hospital Bremerton, understanding your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is crucial. As a veteran or military family member, you have the right to seek compensation for negligent medical care, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific procedures.
You must file your FTCA claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the injury and its cause. This is done by submitting Standard Form 95 to the Department of the Navy. Once filed, the agency has six months to respond to your claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a federal lawsuit.
When dealing with military medical malpractice cases at facilities like Naval Hospital Bremerton, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be invaluable. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care, understand complex medical records, and effectively communicate with medical experts. Their unique combination of medical and legal expertise helps build stronger cases and can lead to better outcomes for veterans and their families.
Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've lost a loved one due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims don't allow for punitive damages, but the compensation can still be substantial when properly documented and pursued.
Don't wait to explore your legal options if you suspect medical negligence at Naval Hospital Bremerton. Many experienced military medical malpractice attorneys offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and the strength of your potential claim. During this consultation, you can discuss your experience, learn about the FTCA process, and determine the best path forward. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive, so seeking professional legal guidance early can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Related Case Types in Washington
We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Washington:
Why Choose the Archuleta Law Firm
Unparalleled expertise for your Naval Hospital Bremerton claim
- π©ΊDoctor-Attorney on Staff
Our founder is both a licensed attorney and a medical doctor (MD/JD), providing critical insight into what constitutes malpractice at Naval Hospital Bremerton.
- βοΈExclusive FTCA Focus
We specialize exclusively in military and VA medical malpractice, handling Federal Tort Claims Act cases against facilities like Naval Hospital Bremerton across all 50 states.
- π°Proven Track Record
With over $145 million recovered for military and VA medical malpractice victims nationwide, we have the experience to handle your case.
- π25+ Years of Experience
Our firm brings decades of experience to every case, understanding the nuances of federal litigation and the specific challenges of suing federal facilities.
- π€No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basisβyou pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Case Evaluation
Naval Hospital Bremerton Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Naval Hospital Bremerton in Bremerton, Washington, you may have a right to seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Archuleta Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation to help you understand your legal options:
- Review your Naval Hospital Bremerton medical records at no cost
- Explain how the FTCA process applies to claims against Naval Hospital Bremerton
- Assess the potential value of your case
- Answer all your questions without obligation
Don't Delay
Strict federal deadlines apply to claims against Naval Hospital Bremerton.