Medical Malpractice at
Sheridan VA Medical Center

The Sheridan VA Medical Center, located at 1898 Fort Road in Sheridan, Wyoming, serves as a crucial healthcare facility for veterans across Wyoming, Montana, and Western South Dakota. Established in 1922, this medical center provides essential services including primary care, mental health treatment, cardiology, audiology, and specialized programs for LGBTQ+ and homeless veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at any institution, including this facility, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. If substandard medical care at Sheridan VA Medical Center harms veterans, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) gives them the right to seek compensation.

As both a licensed physician and attorney, our firm's founder brings unique medical and legal expertise to VA malpractice cases. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of proving medical negligence within the VA system and can effectively advocate for veterans harmed at the Sheridan VA Medical Center.

Sheridan VA Medical Center, originally Veterans Bureau Hospital No. 86, has evolved from treating tuberculosis and psychiatric issues to become a comprehensive medical facility serving veterans in three states. Today, it stands as one of Wyoming's primary VA healthcare facilities, offering both inpatient and outpatient services.

The medical center provides a broad range of healthcare services including primary care, mental health treatment, cardiology, audiology, dental care, and nutrition services. Special programs cater to specific veteran populations, including LGBTQ+ veterans and those experiencing homelessness, demonstrating the facility's commitment to serving diverse veteran needs.

Director Pam Crowell leads Sheridan VA Medical Center, which serves as a crucial part of Wyoming's VA healthcare network. Veterans from rural communities throughout the region rely on this strategically located Sheridan facility for their healthcare needs.

• Surgical Errors: At Sheridan VA Medical Center, surgical mistakes can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia errors. These errors often result from communication breakdowns or inadequate pre-operative planning. Learn more about surgical malpractice claims →

• Diagnostic Failures: Delayed or missed diagnoses can have serious consequences, particularly in cardiology and mental health cases. VA staffing shortages and high patient volumes can contribute to these errors. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Improper medication dosing, dangerous drug interactions, or administration mistakes can occur, especially given the complex medical needs of many veterans. These errors often stem from inadequate medication reconciliation or communication issues between departments.

• Mental Health Treatment Errors: Because the facility offers significant mental health services, errors in psychiatric care, suicide risk assessment, or medication management can have devastating consequences. Poor follow-up care or inadequate monitoring may contribute to these issues.

• Emergency Care Delays: When veterans require urgent medical attention, delays in assessment or treatment can lead to serious complications. Staffing issues and overcrowding can exacerbate these problems. Learn more about emergency care errors →

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 at Sheridan VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For claims involving care at Sheridan VA Medical Center, the administrative claim should be filed with the VA Regional Counsel office serving Wyoming. Our experienced legal team can ensure your claim is properly filed with the correct office and includes all necessary documentation to support your case.

Strict deadlines apply to FTCA claims. Veterans must file their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to review the claim. If the claim is denied or the review period expires, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

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

While Wyoming medical malpractice laws include specific time limits and requirements, FTCA claims follow federal guidelines. While Wyoming has certain damage caps for medical malpractice cases, these state limits generally don't apply to federal FTCA claims against VA facilities.

For detailed information about how Wyoming state laws interact with FTCA claims, please review our comprehensive Wyoming VA medical malpractice guide: Wyoming VA Medical Malpractice Claims →

How do I file a malpractice claim against Sheridan VA Medical Center?

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. Our doctor-attorney team can help ensure your claim is properly documented and filed.

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

The deadline is two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it's crucial to consult with an experienced VA malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

Can I sue Sheridan VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility directly. Claims must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against the United States government, not the individual facility or its employees.

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

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Under the FTCA, damages follow Wyoming state law, with economic damages having no federal cap while non-economic damages may be subject to state limitations.

Do I need a Wyoming attorney for my Sheridan VA Medical Center claim?

While local representation isn't required, you need an attorney experienced in federal FTCA claims. Our firm handles VA malpractice cases nationwide and has recovered over $145 million for clients.

What services at Sheridan VA Medical Center are most often involved in malpractice claims?

While any medical service can involve malpractice, claims often arise from mental health treatment, primary care, cardiology services, and medication management. Each type of claim requires specific medical expertise to properly evaluate and pursue.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Wyoming facilities:

• Cheyenne VA Medical Center (Cheyenne) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Sheridan VA Medical Center in Wyoming, you may have rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This special law allows veterans and their families to seek compensation when harmed by negligent medical care at VA facilities, but the process involves strict deadlines and specific requirements you must follow.

You have two years from the date of injury or when you reasonably should have discovered the injury to file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95. This initial claim must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any lawsuit can proceed. The VA then has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. If the VA denies your claim or fails to resolve it within six months, you have six months from that date to file a federal lawsuit.

For cases involving the Sheridan VA Medical Center, having an attorney who is also a medical doctor can be crucial to your success. These specialized lawyer-physicians understand both the complex medical issues involved in VA care and the specific legal requirements of FTCA claims. They can effectively review medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and articulate how these failures caused your injuries - all essential elements for a successful claim.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've lost a family member due to VA medical negligence, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. 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 experienced FTCA attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your rights. During this consultation, you can learn whether you have a viable claim, understand the timeline for your specific situation, and get answers to your questions about the process. Remember, these cases are complex and time-sensitive - consulting with a qualified attorney promptly can help protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

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

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