Medical Malpractice at
Vancouver VA Medical Center

Located at 1601 East Fourth Plain Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington, the Vancouver VA Medical Center is a vital healthcare resource for veterans in the Pacific Northwest. As part of the VA Portland Health Care System, this facility provides essential medical services including primary care, mental health treatment, specialty care, and various therapeutic programs designed specifically for veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at the Vancouver VA Medical Center despite their efforts to maintain high standards of care. Veterans harmed by substandard medical care have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, pursuing a medical malpractice claim against a VA facility requires specialized knowledge of both federal law and medicine.

At Archuleta Law Firm, our unique combination of medical and legal expertise – including a licensed physician-attorney and dedicated nursing staff – positions us to effectively evaluate and pursue VA medical malpractice claims. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities, including the Vancouver VA Medical Center.

The Vancouver VA Medical Center provides comprehensive outpatient, primary, and specialty care services to veterans across Southwest Washington. The medical center coordinates with the VA Portland Health Care System to deliver comprehensive healthcare services to veterans.

The facility offers numerous specialized departments and services, including:

• Primary Care Services: Comprehensive health management and preventive care
• Mental Health Treatment: Including addiction services and counseling
• Specialty Care Clinics: Featuring dermatology, gastroenterology, and HIV services
• Geriatric Programs: Specialized care for aging veterans
• Diagnostic Services: Including laboratory and imaging capabilities
• Therapeutic Services: Audiology, speech therapy, and rehabilitation programs

The medical center serves thousands of veterans annually, providing both routine medical care and specialized treatment programs designed to address the unique health needs of the veteran population.

• Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can occur if providers fail to evaluate symptoms or order appropriate tests. These errors are particularly concerning in the facility's specialty clinics, such as gastroenterology and dermatology departments. Learn more about diagnostic errors in Washington VA facilities →

• Medication Mistakes: Because multiple departments prescribe medications, errors in dosing, drug interactions, or administration can occur. Veterans receiving care for chronic conditions or mental health treatment are particularly vulnerable to these errors. Learn more about medication errors →

• Treatment Delays: Excessive wait times or delays in receiving specialized care can lead to worsening conditions. This is especially critical for veterans requiring time-sensitive treatments in departments like HIV services or geriatric care. Learn more about treatment delays →

• Procedural Errors: Mistakes during medical procedures, even seemingly routine ones, can result in serious complications. These errors can occur in various departments, from dental procedures to specialized treatments. Learn more about procedural errors →

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action against the Vancouver VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Counsel.

For claims involving the Vancouver VA Medical Center, submissions should be directed to: VA Regional Counsel Office of General Counsel U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

Critical deadlines apply to these claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. Once the VA receives the claim, they have six months to investigate and make a decision. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, 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, though FTCA claims follow federal law. While Washington previously imposed caps on non-economic damages, these were ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court, potentially affecting compensation in FTCA cases.

Veterans pursuing claims against the Vancouver VA Medical Center should note that while state law influences certain aspects of FTCA claims, federal law ultimately governs these cases. Learn more about Washington's medical malpractice laws →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury, and should include detailed documentation of the medical negligence and resulting damages.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against Vancouver VA Medical Center?

The statute of limitations is two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing a claim, so prompt action is essential.

Can I sue Vancouver VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government through the proper administrative channels first.

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

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs. Unlike some states, Washington does not cap damages in medical malpractice cases.

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

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both FTCA claims and medical malpractice significantly improves your chances of success. These cases involve complex federal laws and medical issues that require specialized expertise. birth injury claims →

What types of medical errors are most common at Vancouver VA Medical Center?

Based on the facility's services, common errors may occur in primary care, specialty clinics, medication management, and diagnostic procedures. Each department presents unique risks for potential medical negligence.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Washington facilities:

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

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Vancouver VA Medical Center, you should know that the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a specific process for seeking compensation. As a veteran or military family member, you have rights, but strict deadlines apply. You must file your administrative claim within two years of when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause. Once you file the required Form SF-95, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim.

Working with an attorney who is both a licensed medical doctor and an experienced lawyer can significantly strengthen your case against the Vancouver VA Medical Center. These specialized professionals understand both the complex medical issues and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can accurately identify deviations from the standard of care and effectively communicate how these mistakes caused your injuries.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. For veterans with service-connected disabilities who received negligent care, the impact can be particularly severe, and your compensation should reflect the full extent of your losses.

It's important to understand that FTCA claims involving the Vancouver VA Medical Center require careful documentation and expert medical opinion to prove negligence. The process can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Many experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options.

We encourage you to reach out for a confidential, no-cost consultation to discuss your potential claim. An experienced doctor-attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to your situation, and help determine if you have a viable case against the Vancouver VA Medical Center. Time is limited by law, so it's crucial to have your case evaluated as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure all deadlines are met.

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 →