Melbourne/Palm Bay Military Medical Malpractice Attorney

Serving Injured Patients in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Beyond

If you or a loved one has experienced medical malpractice while serving in the military, you may feel frustrated and unsure of your options. Military medical malpractice claims can be more complex than civilian cases, often requiring deep knowledge of the legal intricacies specific to the military healthcare system. At National Trial Law, we are committed to helping service members, veterans, and their families in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL, fight for justice and compensation after suffering from negligent medical care.

Contact us online at (833) 913-1885 to learn how our Melbourne medical malpractice attorney can be of service to you during your free and confidential consultation.

What is Military Medical Malpractice?

Military medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional working within a military medical facility provides substandard care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. Anyone receiving treatment from a military or veteran healthcare provider is entitled to receive competent and reliable medical attention just like civilians.

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and the 2019 SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act have made it possible for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families to file claims for malpractice. However, navigating the claims process is complex, particularly given the specific rules and limitations that apply to military cases. A qualified Melbourne military medical malpractice attorney can guide you through these challenges to ensure your rights are protected.

Common Forms of Military Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in military healthcare settings can take many forms. Some of the most common examples include:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: A failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosing a medical condition can lead to severe complications or even death. Whether it's failing to identify cancer, heart disease, or infections, misdiagnosis is a prevalent issue in military healthcare facilities.
• Surgical Errors: Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the patient, or causing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues, can have devastating consequences. In military hospitals, such errors are just as likely to occur as in civilian settings.
• Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can lead to adverse reactions or worsened health conditions. This could result from a lack of attention to detail or communication errors between healthcare providers.
• Birth Injuries: Military medical malpractice can also occur during childbirth. Conditions like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy may result from improper use of delivery tools or failure to monitor the fetus's health. Families who experience birth injuries in military facilities have the right to seek compensation.
• Anesthesia Errors: Errors involving anesthesia, such as administering too much or too little, can cause lasting damage. These mistakes can lead to brain injury, severe pain during surgery, or even death.
• Post-Operative Care Negligence: After a surgical procedure, proper monitoring and aftercare are critical. Failure to properly manage a patient’s recovery, including recognizing signs of infection or internal bleeding, can be considered malpractice.

About Patrick AFB and Medical Facilities

Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), located just north of Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL, is one of the primary military installations in the area. Active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families rely on the base’s medical services for routine care, emergency treatment, and specialized medical needs.

The medical facilities at Patrick AFB, including the 45th Medical Group, provide a wide range of healthcare services. However, like any healthcare provider, these facilities are not immune to errors. While many military medical professionals provide excellent care, there are instances where mistakes can lead to significant harm.

Whether you or a family member received care at Patrick AFB or any other military medical facility, such as the VA clinics in the Melbourne and Palm Bay area, National Trial Law can assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing justice for medical malpractice.