Medical Malpractice at
Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, provides vital healthcare to veterans in southwestern West Virginia, southern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky. This teaching hospital, affiliated with Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, provides essential medical care to veterans through its 80 beds and specialty services.

While most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility, medical errors and negligence can occur even at well-regarded institutions. When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, veterans may suffer serious injuries or adverse health outcomes. Because I am both a licensed physician and attorney, I understand the complex medical and legal issues in VA medical malpractice cases.

Claims against the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center must be pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Our doctor-attorney and nurse staff members combine medical and legal expertise to effectively evaluate and advocate for veterans harmed by VA medical negligence.

Formerly known as the Huntington VA Medical Center, this facility was renamed in 2022 to honor Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams. The medical center operates as a full-service VA hospital providing both primary and specialty care services to veterans. As a teaching hospital, it plays an important role in training future healthcare providers while delivering medical care to the veteran community.

The facility offers comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, audiology, cardiology, dental, dermatology, gastroenterology, mental health services, and specialized women's health care. Executive Director Brian Nimmo and Chief of Staff Dr. William Poynton lead the medical center's specialty clinics and veteran-focused healthcare programs.

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center is critical to West Virginia's VA healthcare system, giving veterans in the tri-state area access to essential medical services. Because it is a teaching hospital, veteran healthcare continues to advance while the center maintains strong connections to the local medical community.

• Emergency Care Errors: The facility's 24/7 emergency department handles urgent veteran care needs, but rushed decisions or inadequate staffing can lead to serious mistakes. Emergency room errors may include delayed treatment, misdiagnosis of heart attacks or strokes, or failure to properly monitor patients. Learn more about emergency room malpractice claims →

• Surgical Mistakes: As a full-service VA medical center, surgical errors can occur during both routine and complex procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Delayed or missed diagnoses can have devastating consequences, particularly in areas like cardiology and gastroenterology where the facility provides specialized care. Veterans may suffer harm when serious conditions go unrecognized or are diagnosed too late for optimal treatment. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: With multiple departments prescribing medications, errors in dosing, drug interactions, or administration can occur. Veterans with complex medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to medication mistakes.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before they can file a medical malpractice lawsuit. This process begins by submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office detailing the basis of your claim and the damages sought.

For claims involving care at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center, the administrative claim must be filed within two years of when you knew or should have known about the malpractice. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If your claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a resolution, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

It's crucial to understand that FTCA claims involve complex procedural requirements and strict deadlines. Missing these deadlines or failing to properly document your claim can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Our firm's experience with VA medical malpractice claims ensures proper handling of all procedural requirements.

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in West Virginia →

While FTCA claims are governed by federal law, West Virginia state law principles may apply to determine the standard of care and certain damages aspects. Under West Virginia Code § 55-7B-4, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years. However, the FTCA's deadlines take precedence for VA medical malpractice claims.

West Virginia has established caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, but federal law determines damages in FTCA cases. For detailed information about how state and federal laws interact in VA medical malpractice claims, see our West Virginia VA medical malpractice guide.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these West Virginia facilities:

• Beckley VA Medical Center (Beckley) →
• Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center (Clarksburg) →
• Martinsburg VA Medical Center (Martinsburg) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, 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 substandard medical care, but there are strict deadlines you must follow.

You have two years from the date of the negligent incident to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This is a mandatory first step - you cannot file a lawsuit until you've completed this administrative process. Once you submit your claim, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. 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 VA medical malpractice cases, having 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 and understand the complex medical issues specific to VA facilities. At the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center, cases often involve issues like delayed diagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to properly treat conditions common among veterans.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. For veterans who've already sacrificed so much, these damages can be crucial for securing proper medical care and maintaining financial stability. Unlike private medical malpractice cases, FTCA claims have no caps on damages, though punitive damages are not allowed.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Many law firms specializing in VA medical malpractice offer free, confidential case evaluations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, an experienced attorney can review your medical records, explain your rights, and help determine if you have a viable claim. Remember, there's no obligation, and most firms handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Your service and sacrifice deserve the highest standard of medical care - don't hesitate to seek justice if that standard wasn't met.

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

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