Veterans depending on VA hospitals and medical centers have undoubtedly become more skeptical about the quality of their treatment after numerous cases of negligence and medical malpractice v have been reported at VA hospitals throughout the nation – and the result may be thousands of lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Too many mishaps

It's no secret that there have been many mishaps at VA hospitals and medical centers lately. Veterans have been:

• exposed to infectious bodily fluids (more than 10,000 veterans may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C at several VA facilities around the nation due to improperly sterilized endoscopy equipment.)
• told they had tested positive for infectious diseases they didn't have (The VA has said that one veteran has tested positive for HIV and 16 others have tested positive for hepatitis B and C at VA centers in Augusta, Georgia; Murfreesboro, Tennessee and possibly Miami, Florida.)
• treated by doctors who committed blatant medical malpractice
• exposed to identity theft

The practices have led to numerous lawsuits being filed against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Lawsuits being filed

According to news reports, a Tennessee Veterans Medical Malpractice attorney has said that he is planning on filing a lawsuit against the VA requesting disability benefits and damages on behalf of at least 60 veterans as the result of the VA's negligence – and thousands more are expected in the near future.

VA claim process is very different

Filing claims against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is very different than filing a lawsuit against a private party. In fact, many VA attorneys specifically limit their practice to representing veterans in medical malpractice lawsuits. If you've been injured, make sure to contact an attorney who has experience in this area of law to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. Be sure to ask:

• how long they've been practicing in this area of law
• what percentage of their practice is dedicated to VA claims
• what expenses, if any, must be paid for up front