San Bernardino County Military Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Assisting San Bernardino County Veterans with VA Medical Negligence Claims

When those who've served our nation seek care within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system in San Bernardino County, CA, they expect to receive treatment that meets a professional standard of care. Unfortunately, there are times when the care falls short, leading to injury, illness, or worse. VA medical malpractice is a grave issue that requires a legal team well-versed in the unique laws and regulations governing military medical facilities.

At National Trial Law, we are committed to serving the veteran community by providing expert legal representation for those impacted by substandard medical care within the VA system. Our San Bernardino County military medical malpractice lawyers have the experience and dedication necessary to navigate these complex cases and fight for the justice and compensation our veterans deserve.

For a no-cost, confidential consultation, call (833) 913-1885 or connect with us online.

Understanding Medical Malpractice in San Bernardino County's VA Healthcare System

Medical malpractice in the VA system occurs when healthcare providers fail to deliver the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Proving negligence in these cases requires demonstrating that the provider's actions deviated from what a competent healthcare provider would have done under similar circumstances.

The critical elements of a VA medical malpractice claim include:

• A confirmed doctor-patient relationship
• Evidence of the healthcare provider's negligence
• A direct link between the provider's negligence and the injury sustained
• Actual damages or harm resulting from the negligence

Common Types of VA Medical Malpractice

Veterans may encounter various forms of medical malpractice, including:

• Birth Injuries: These may occur during delivery at a military medical facility, potentially causing harm to both mother and child.
• Medication Errors: Mistakes in prescribing or administering medication can have severe consequences for veterans.
• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Incorrect or delayed diagnoses can lead to a lack of timely treatment, causing a veteran's condition to deteriorate.
• Surgical Errors: From wrong-site surgeries to anesthesia mistakes, surgical errors are serious breaches of care.
• Medical Device Errors: Complications arising from the misuse or malfunction of medical devices can lead to patient harm.
• Emergency Room Errors: In the fast-paced environment of an emergency room, errors can occur, leading to misdiagnosis or treatment delays.
• Hospital Negligence: Systemic issues within a hospital can result in inadequate care and patient harm.

Edwards Air Force Base

Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), located in southern California, is one of the most significant military bases in the United States, renowned for its crucial role in flight testing and aerospace research. Situated in the western Mojave Desert, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles, Edwards AFB was established in 1933, originally known as Muroc Air Base. It was renamed in 1949 in honor of Captain Glen Edwards, a test pilot who died in the crash of the YB-49 Flying Wing.

The base is home to the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) and the 412th Test Wing, serving as the primary site for testing and evaluating aircraft and aerospace systems. Edwards AFB has been instrumental in testing many iconic aircraft, including the X-15, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Space Shuttle. The base features extensive runways and dry lake beds used for testing and emergency landings, along with multiple hangars, laboratories, and support buildings.

The main medical facility at Edwards AFB is the Edwards AFB Medical Clinic, also known as the 412th Medical Group. This clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel, their families, and retirees. The services offered include primary care, pediatrics, family health, mental health, dental care, and specialty clinics. The clinic is equipped to handle routine check-ups, immunizations, health screenings, and the management of chronic conditions.

While it offers limited specialty care services, the clinic often partners with nearby military or civilian medical facilities to ensure patients receive the necessary care. Mental health services are available, offering counseling, therapy, and support for various mental health conditions. Additionally, the clinic focuses on preventive medicine through health education, wellness programs, and disease prevention initiatives.

Emergency services at Edwards AFB Medical Clinic provide basic emergency care, with more severe cases stabilized and transferred to nearby civilian hospitals or military medical centers. Supporting facilities within the clinic include a pharmacy that dispenses medications and provides pharmaceutical care, laboratory services for diagnostic testing and analysis, and radiology for imaging services, including X-rays and other diagnostic imaging.

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow (MCLB Barstow) is strategically located in Barstow, CA. This logistics base plays a crucial role in supporting the logistics needs of the Marine Corps, with a primary focus on the maintenance, storage, and distribution of equipment and supplies. The facilities at MCLB Barstow include extensive vehicle and equipment repair and refurbishment centers, large warehousing and supply storage facilities, and railhead and transportation hubs designed to facilitate efficient distribution. Additionally, the base houses training and administrative buildings that support various logistics operations, ensuring seamless functionality and preparedness.

Branch Health Clinics (BHCs) located at MCLB Barstow provide essential medical and dental care to Marines and their families stationed at this and other smaller bases. These clinics offer a range of services, including primary care in family medicine and pediatrics, dental clinics for both routine and emergency dental care, and preventive care along with routine health screenings. While BHCs primarily focus on general medical services, they also provide limited specialty care and referral services, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support for the Marine Corps community at MCLB Barstow.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center