Medical Malpractice at
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital

The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, is a crucial healthcare provider for over 130,000 veterans in South Central Wisconsin and Northwestern Illinois. As a major VA medical center affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, this facility provides comprehensive medical services including surgery, cardiology, oncology, and mental health care.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any institution, even though most veterans receive appropriate care at this facility. When veterans suffer harm due to substandard care at the Madison VA hospital, they 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.

The Archuleta Law Firm's founder holds both MD and JD degrees, giving us unique medical and legal expertise to evaluate VA medical malpractice cases thoroughly. We have over 25 years of experience and have recovered more than $145 million for clients, so we understand the complexities of FTCA claims against VA facilities like the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital.

Established in 1951, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital is a full-service VA Medical Center named after Dr. William S. Middleton, the former Dean of the University of Wisconsin Medical School. This facility, located at 2500 Overlook Terrace in Madison, is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

The hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services including general surgery, orthopedics, vascular procedures, cardiology, oncology, and mental health treatment. Their 24/7 emergency department serves veterans requiring urgent or emergency care, while specialty clinics offer ongoing treatment for chronic conditions and rehabilitation needs.

Director John Rohrer and Chief of Staff Dr. Alan Bridges lead this major healthcare hub serving veterans across South Central Wisconsin. The hospital's academic ties ensure high care standards through residency programs and advance medical research focused on veterans.

• Surgical Errors: Given the facility's extensive surgical services, errors during general, orthopedic, or vascular procedures can occur. These may include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Emergency Department Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or mismanagement can have severe consequences. Common errors include failure to properly triage, delayed treatment, or inappropriate discharge. Learn more about emergency room errors →

• Diagnostic Failures: With multiple specialty departments, missed or delayed diagnoses can occur, particularly in complex cases involving cancer, cardiac conditions, or neurological disorders. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Veterans often require complex medication regimens. Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or monitoring medications can lead to serious complications or adverse reactions.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice. This claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) within two years of the incident or when the injury was reasonably discovered.

For claims involving the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital, administrative claims should be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office responsible for Wisconsin. The VA has six months to review and respond to the administrative claim. If the claim is denied or no response is received within six months, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

The FTCA claims process involves strict deadlines and specific procedural requirements. Missing these deadlines or failing to properly document your claim can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Working with attorneys experienced in both medicine and VA malpractice law can help ensure your claim is properly prepared and filed.

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

Wisconsin medical malpractice laws generally take a back seat to federal FTCA requirements in VA hospital cases. However, Wisconsin's three-year statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. § 893.55) may be relevant in determining the standard of care. While Wisconsin has damage caps for state claims, these do not apply to FTCA cases, which are governed by federal law.

For detailed information about how Wisconsin law interacts with FTCA claims, please visit our Wisconsin VA medical malpractice guide: Military & VA Medical Malpractice in Wisconsin →

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel. This must be done within two years of the incident or injury discovery. Detailed medical documentation and evidence of negligence should accompany your claim.

What is the deadline for filing a claim against William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital?

The FTCA requires filing an administrative claim within two years of the incident or when the injury was reasonably discovered. After a denial or six months of no response, you have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

Can I sue William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital directly?

No, you cannot sue the hospital directly. Under the FTCA, claims must be filed against the United States government, not individual VA facilities or employees.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital?

FTCA claims can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Unlike Wisconsin state claims, FTCA cases are not subject to state damage caps.

Do I need a Wisconsin attorney for my William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital claim?

While not required, working with attorneys experienced in both medicine and FTCA claims is highly recommended. These cases involve complex federal procedures and medical evidence that require specialized expertise.

What types of medical evidence do I need for my claim?

You'll need copies of all relevant medical records from both VA and non-VA providers, expert medical opinions, and documentation of ongoing treatment needs. Our firm's medical professionals can help identify and obtain the necessary evidence to support your claim.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Wisconsin facilities:

• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Milwaukee) →
• Milo C. Huempfner Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic (Green Bay) →
• Tomah VA Medical Center (Tomah) →

If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, 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 injuries caused by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but you must follow specific procedures and deadlines.

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 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once you submit this 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.

For VA medical malpractice cases in Madison, working with an attorney who is also a medical doctor provides a significant advantage. These specialized professionals can quickly identify deviations from the standard of care and understand complex medical records specific to VA systems. They can effectively communicate with VA physicians and administrators while building a strong case based on both legal and medical expertise.

Through an FTCA claim against the Madison VA, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include compensation for additional medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a veteran has died due to negligent care, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

You can learn more about your legal options through a free, confidential case evaluation with an experienced VA medical malpractice attorney. During this consultation, an attorney can review your medical records, explain the FTCA process specific to Wisconsin federal courts, and help determine if you have a viable claim against the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital. There's no obligation, and you won't pay any fees unless your case is successful. Don't wait to explore your rights – the sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you'll be to protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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

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