No Fee if No Recovery
Accident, Serious Injury, and Negligence Cases
Our clients often ask, Can you sue the VA for serious injury or accidents? The short answer is yes. However, suing the Department of Veterans Affairs is not like a normal tort case. It is much more complicated and involves the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The accident injury attorneys at Archuleta Law Firm help victims of serious accidents and injuries seek full compensation from the U.S. Government involving the negligence of U.S. government employees.
Accidents and serious injuries can occur almost anywhere. We represent clients who have experienced a serious injury in many locations including:
- On military bases
- In cities where U.S. government agencies have offices
- VA Hospitals or Clinics
- In countries where U.S. military or agencies operate
Typical catastrophic injuries resulting from such accidents may include:
- Amputation
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
- Brain injury
- Birth injury
- Spinal trauma
- Wrongful death
If you have been the victim of serious injury, negligence, or an accident, contact the accident injury lawyers at Archuleta Law Firm for a Free Case Analysis. Our Veterans and Military legal team have a doctor-lawyer, nurse, and other trained legal professionals on staff to review your case.
Contact us right away to discuss whether you have a claim for accidents, serious injury, or negligence.
Types of Accident and Injury Cases We Handle
- Slip and fall accidents on VA or military property
- Trip and fall due to poor maintenance or hazards
- Equipment failures causing injury
- Unsafe facility conditions (wet floors, poor lighting, broken stairs)
- Transportation accidents involving VA or military vehicles
- Burns or electrical injuries
- Assaults due to inadequate security
- Falls from beds or examination tables
- Wheelchair or mobility device accidents
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Parking lot accidents
Premises Liability at Federal Facilities
Federal facilities, including VA hospitals and military bases, have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for patients, visitors, and employees. This duty includes:
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Warning of known hazards
- Prompt repair of dangerous conditions
- Adequate lighting and security
- Proper training of staff
- Safe medical equipment
When federal facilities fail in these duties and someone is injured, they may be held liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Common Causes of Accidents at VA and Military Facilities
Maintenance Failures:
- Broken or uneven flooring
- Defective handrails or stairs
- Poor lighting in hallways and parking areas
- Icy or wet conditions not addressed
Equipment Issues:
- Defective medical equipment
- Broken wheelchairs or beds
- Malfunctioning elevators
- Faulty electrical systems
Security Lapses:
- Inadequate security allowing assaults
- Failure to control aggressive patients
- Insufficient staffing
Staffing Problems:
- Inadequate supervision of vulnerable patients
- Failure to assist patients with mobility
- Rushed care leading to accidents
Serious Injuries Requiring Significant Compensation
Accidents at federal facilities can cause serious injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations requiring surgery
- Internal injuries
- Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Aggravation of existing conditions
Why Accident Cases Against the Federal Government Are Different
Unlike typical premises liability cases, claims against VA and military facilities must be filed under the FTCA, which has:
- Strict 2-year filing deadline
- Administrative claim requirement (Standard Form 95)
- No jury trials (decided by federal judge)
- Different standards of proof
- Sovereign immunity limitations
These cases require attorneys experienced in federal law and FTCA procedures. The Archuleta Law Firm focuses exclusively on FTCA claims and has successfully represented hundreds of veterans and military families.
What You Can Recover
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs
Steps to Take After an Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately - Your health is the priority
- Report the accident to facility management
- Document everything - Take photos, get witness information
- Keep all medical records and bills
- Don't give recorded statements without legal advice
- Contact an FTCA attorney immediately - Time limits apply
Contact Us for Free Case Evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim for an accident at a VA facility?
You must file an administrative claim within 2 years of the accident. Missing this deadline will permanently bar your claim, so contact us immediately.
What if I partially caused my own accident?
Federal law applies comparative negligence principles. Even if you bear some responsibility, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can evaluate how this applies to your case.
Can I sue for a slip and fall at a VA hospital?
Yes, if the fall was caused by a dangerous condition the VA knew about or should have known about and failed to fix or warn about. We've successfully handled numerous slip and fall cases at VA facilities.
Do you handle vehicle accidents involving VA or military transportation?
Yes. Accidents involving VA shuttle buses, ambulances, or military vehicles may be compensable under the FTCA. We have experience with these types of transportation accident cases.
