VA, Military & Federal Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Choosing the right attorney is critical when dealing with the federal government.
Rawls Law Group represents patients and families nationwide in medical malpractice claims involving federal healthcare providers. These cases often arise from negligent care at VA hospitals and clinics, military medical facilities, Indian Health Service facilities, and other federally supported healthcare providers.
Claims against the federal government are different from ordinary medical malpractice cases. They often involve the Federal Tort Claims Act, strict administrative claim requirements, federal deadlines, and complicated questions about which law applies. Choosing the right attorney is critical.
At Rawls Law Group, medical malpractice is our focus. Our team has substantial experience handling FTCA medical malpractice claims across the country, and our staff includes veterans of the United States military. We understand the needs of veterans, service members, military families, and patients who have been harmed by negligent care in federal healthcare settings.
VA Hospital and Clinic Malpractice Claims
Veterans and their families place significant trust in VA hospitals, VA clinics, and VA healthcare providers. When negligent medical care at a VA facility causes serious injury or death, the injured patient or family may have a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
VA medical malpractice cases can involve delayed diagnosis, failure to diagnose cancer, surgical errors, emergency-room negligence, medication mistakes, radiology errors, infection and sepsis, stroke mismanagement, nursing failures, mental health failures, suicide-related claims, and failures to follow up on abnormal test results.
Military Hospital and Clinic Malpractice Claims
Medical negligence can also occur at military hospitals and clinics. These cases may involve care provided to retirees, military dependents, veterans, servicemembers, or other eligible patients. Claims involving active-duty servicemembers can raise additional legal issues and require careful review.
Rawls Law Group evaluates military medical malpractice claims involving serious injury or death and helps clients understand whether they may have a claim under the FTCA, the Military Claims Act, or another legal process.
Indian Health Service Medical Malpractice Claims
Rawls Law Group also represents patients in medical malpractice claims involving Indian Health Service facilities and other covered federal healthcare providers. These claims are often governed by the FTCA and require careful attention to federal administrative claim procedures, deadlines, and the proper party to sue.
Federally Supported Healthcare Facilities
Some medical malpractice claims arise from care at federally supported healthcare centers or other covered providers. These cases can be confusing because the facility may look like a local clinic, but the legal claim may need to be brought under federal law. We investigate whether the negligent provider was covered by the FTCA and what legal process applies.
How FTCA Medical Malpractice Claims Work
Before filing an FTCA lawsuit, the injured person generally must present an administrative claim to the appropriate federal agency. This is often done using Standard Form 95. The claim must identify the basis for the claim and state a specific amount of money damages sought.
The agency then has time to review the claim. If the agency denies the claim, or if it does not make a final decision within the time allowed by law, the injured person may be able to file a lawsuit in federal court.
FTCA Deadlines Are Strict
FTCA medical malpractice claims have strict deadlines. In general, an administrative claim must be presented to the appropriate federal agency within two years after the claim accrues. If the agency denies the claim, there is generally a separate six-month deadline to file suit.
These deadlines can be complicated, especially when the patient did not immediately know that malpractice occurred. Anyone who suspects negligent federal medical care should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Federal Employee vs. Contractor Issues
One of the traps in VA, military, and federal medical malpractice cases is determining whether the negligent provider was a federal employee or a contractor. The FTCA generally applies to federal employees acting within the scope of employment. If the provider was an independent contractor, different rules may apply.
This issue can be critical. A single medical event may involve both federal employees and contractors. Rawls Law Group investigates provider status early so clients understand the correct legal path.
Nationwide FTCA Medical Malpractice Representation
Although our offices are in Virginia, Rawls Law Group handles FTCA medical malpractice claims nationwide. We represent veterans, servicemembers, military families, Native patients, Alaska Native patients, and other patients in cases involving VA facilities, military medical facilities, Indian Health Service facilities, and federally supported healthcare providers across the country.
Case Types We Handle
*Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
If you have been injured by a VA, military, IHS, or federally funded healthcare provider, you may be eligible for compensation. Claims against the federal government can be daunting; let our experienced team manage the hassle. Contact our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Where We Handle VA, Military, IHS, and Federal Medical Malpractice Claims
Rawls Law Group represents clients nationwide in medical malpractice claims involving VA hospitals and clinics, military hospitals and clinics, Indian Health Service facilities, and federally supported healthcare providers. Our work is not limited to any particular facility, city, state, or region.
Our Virginia-based work has involved major healthcare systems and federal facilities, including matters involving VCU Health, HCA facilities, Bon Secours facilities, Sentara facilities, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Hampton VA Medical Center, and Salem VA Medical Center. We also handle FTCA medical malpractice claims arising from federal healthcare facilities across the country.
If you have been injured by a VA, military, IHS, or federally funded healthcare provider, you may be eligible for compensation. Claims against the federal government can be daunting; let our experienced team manage the hassle. Contact our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
FAQs
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Does Rawls Law Group handle FTCA medical malpractice claims nationwide?
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Yes. Rawls Law Group represents clients nationwide in FTCA medical malpractice claims involving VA facilities, military medical facilities, Indian Health Service facilities, and other federally supported healthcare providers.
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What does it cost to hire Rawls Law Group for an FTCA case?
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Rawls Law Group handles medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. In FTCA cases, attorney fees are limited by federal law and depend on whether the case resolves administratively or after suit is filed. We explain fees and case costs before representation begins.
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Do I need a lawyer in the state where the malpractice happened?
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Not necessarily. FTCA cases are federal claims, but they often depend on the medical malpractice law of the state where the negligent care occurred. Rawls Law Group handles FTCA medical malpractice claims nationwide and regularly works with the legal and medical issues that arise in cases across the country.
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What if the negligent provider was a contractor rather than a federal employee?
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This is an important issue. The FTCA generally applies to negligence by federal employees acting within the scope of employment. If the provider was an independent contractor, different rules may apply. Determining the provider’s status is often a critical part of evaluating an FTCA medical malpractice case.
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How does Rawls Law Group decide whether to take an FTCA medical malpractice case?
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We begin by learning what happened, identifying the facility and providers involved, and reviewing the available medical records. Some cases require review by medical experts before we can determine whether the standard of care was violated and whether that violation caused serious harm.
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Will filing a claim affect my VA benefits or medical care?
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Filing a claim should not be used as a basis to retaliate against a veteran or family member or interfere with medical care or benefits. Many veterans worry about this issue, and it is important to address it clearly.